Robert Hull Foulkes Jr. 1943-2024

He was born March 4, 1943, in Mount Vernon, a son of the late Robert and Laurdella Koplin Foulkes. He graduated from Kent Roosevelt High School and then earned his Doctorate in Electrical Engineering from Case Western Reserve University.

He taught for 40 years at the Rayen School of Engineering at Youngstown State University, where he took great pride in molding the minds of future generations, so much so that he stepped down as a department chairperson because he missed teaching. He truly cared for his students.

Bob was a gentle, kind and patient man who never raised his voice or had ill will against anyone. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, and cherished spending time with his family. He never missed an opportunity to be there to support them, whether it be by scoring swim meets for Boardman or helping them with projects around the house. And his generosity extended to anyone who was lucky enough to know him. His quest for knowledge led to a lifelong enjoyment of “tinkering,” and he would often take things apart to understand how they worked. In his spare time, he was an avid runner, belonging to the Youngstown Road Runners Club, and participated in the Peace Race every year.

He had a deep devotion to his faith, which was very important to him. He was a member of Boardman United Methodist Church and former Central Christian Church, singing in their choirs. He instilled those values within his family.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his beloved wife and high school sweetheart of almost 58 years, the former Barbara Pizzuti, whom he married July 2, 1966; his children, Robert T. (Amy) Foulkes of Chesapeake Beach, Maryland and Beth (Brent) Burcham of Fort Mill, South Carolina; grandchildren, ENS Margaret Foulkes, USN, Thomas Robert Foulkes, Justerline Jacquelin, Elijah Burcham, Madelyn Burcham and Bernadette Jacquelin; his sister, Dr. Laurdella (Don) Foulkes-Smith of Augusta, Georgia; and five nieces.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Claudia Beggs.

A celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 11, 2024, at Venture Church on Glenwood Avenue, celebrated by Pastor Dr. Nathan Doyle.

In lieu of flowers, consider a donation in Bob’s name to Give Hope Global, a charity that meant a great deal to him, at https://givehopeglobal.org/.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Davis-Becker Funeral Home. Please visit www.beckerobits.com to send the family condolences.

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