Robert D. Boomhower 1937-2025

He also leaves behind 14 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his father, Ira Boomhower, his mother, Jenny Fly; and his sister, Shirley Sampson.

Bob was born Feb. 8, 1937, in Youngstown.

After graduating from South High School in 1954 at age 17, he served proudly in the U.S. Navy as a professional photographer until a terrible car accident left him partially paralyzed at age 20. Although his injuries affected his mobility through the remainder of his life, he never allowed his physical limitations to define him or to overshadow his unrelenting determination to maintain a positive outlook on life.

After earning a bachelor’s degree from Youngstown State University, and later a Master’s from Westminster College, he went on to become a beloved school teacher for 25 years in the Youngstown School system — teaching side by side with one of his best friends, Tony DiRenzo. Even years after he retired from teaching, it was not uncommon for former students to seek him out to express gratitude for the tremendous impact he’d had on their lives.

Bob spent most of his retirement years living in the sunshine of central Florida, where he made many friends as a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and American Legion clubs.

In his free time, Bob enjoyed playing rummy 500 with his kids, dinners out with family, fishing trips and socializing with friends. He loved watching his Boston Red Sox on TV, along with horse races, sitcoms and classic old black and white movies.

Affectionately known by many as “Boomer,” Bob was also loved by numerous other friends and family members. He will be remembered for his quick-witted sense of humor and his easygoing personality, along with the tremendous appreciation he had for his relationships with family and friends — and for life in general.

Bob will forever be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Family and friends may call 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, at Davis-Becker Funeral Home, 8536 Market Street in Boardman. There will be a service to follow at 1 p.m. at the funeral home to celebrate Bob’s life.

Interment will follow in Green Haven Memorial Gardens with full military honors from the U.S. Navy.

The family requests material tributes take the form of contributions to the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation for spinal cord injury at www.christopherreeve.org, in memory of Bob.

Please visit www.beckerobits.com to share memories and condolences with Bob’s family.

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Robert D. Boomhower