Robert Kale 1948-2025

He was born Sept. 8, 1948, in Youngstown, the son of Wilbur and Martha Breit Kale. Bob graduated from Western Reserve High School in 1966 and after graduation, served in the Army during the Vietnam War in the 20th Engineer Brigade.

Bob retired in 2021 as a self-employed truck driver.

He was devoted to his family and community, loving family get-togethers and never missing a community event. Bob loved being around people and making conversation; he never met a stranger. Bob was always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone, expecting nothing in return. He enjoyed being outdoors, mowing and keeping a beautiful yard. Most of all, Bob was dedicated to assisting with the special needs of his son, Jared.

He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Jodi (Childers) Kale, whom he married July 16, 1988; his mother, Martha of Berlin Center; and children, Jared at home, Robbie (Linda) of Boardman, Gregory (Stella) of Girard and Geoffrey of Boardman. Bob also leaves his brother, Roger (Tami) of Berlin Center; sister, Bonnie (Jim) Spencer of Clover, South Carolina; grandchildren, Patrick, Rory, Ashley (Kevin), Brendon and Ryan; and great-granddaughter, Kennedy. He also leaves his close friend, Mike Welsch, who was like another son to the family.

Bob was preceded in death by his father, Wilbur; sister-in-law, Stormy Kale; and former wife, Joyce Kale-Pesta.

The Kale family would like to give special thanks to the staff of Southwoods Imaging, who treated Bob with so much kindness.

Memorial services celebrating the life of Robert “Bob” Kale will be 5 p.m. Sunday, May 18, 2025, with visiting hours from 3 p.m. until time of services, at the Lane Funeral Home Austintown Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Berlin Center Fire Department or to the family for the Robert W. Kale Scholarship Fund for the Arts Program at Boardman High School, in Bob’s memory.

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