Robert L. Zorn 1938-2025

Robert was born March 22, 1938, in Youngstown. He was a 1955 graduate of Struthers High School, where he met the love of his life, his high school sweetheart, Joan Wilkos. They were married April 26, 1957, and shared a beautiful 62 years of marriage until Joan’s passing in 2019.

Robert’s passion for education was evident in his academic journey. Dr. Zorn held a Bachelor of Science in education from Kent State University, a Master of Education Administration from Westminster College, and Doctorate of Curriculum and Instruction in Education Administration from the University of Pittsburgh. He also completed postdoctoral studies in education administration at Harvard University. He was highlighted in multiple editions of “Who’s Who in America,” “Who’s Who in American Education,” “Who’s Who in the Midwest” and “Who’s Who in the World.”

Dr. Zorn retired after dedicating 42 years of service to the Poland School District, beginning as a teacher and principal at Poland Union Elementary, before becoming superintendent in 1976 — a position he held with distinction for 36 years until 2012. This made him the longest tenured superintendent in state history. He was very proud to have given all five of his grandchildren their diplomas upon graduation from Poland Seminary High School. Dr. Zorn’s extensive background in education also included serving as an assistant superintendent at Mahoning County Board of Education for six years.

He served as an adjunct faculty member, starting in 1983, with Westminster College in New Wilmington, Pa. In 2012, Dr. Zorn was appointed as the education administration program department chair of graduate studies, and in 2013, he became the director of the graduate school. Dr. Zorn retired from Westminster College in 2019.

Affiliated as a longtime member of the American Association of School Administrators, the Doctoral Association of Educators at the University of Pittsburgh and the Westminster College chapter of Phi Delta Kappa, Dr. Zorn also served as a consultant in his area of expertise for numerous educational organizations, including Akron State University School of Education, Lisbon Exempted Village School District, Marietta College, Kent State University and the Ohio Department of Education. He wrote extensively in professional publications such as the School Management Newsletter and the American School Boards Journal, and authored and co-authored 11 books, including “Westminster College Through Time” in 2014 and “Images of America: Poland” in 2010. He also wrote the book “A History of Poland, Ohio: Triumph and Tradition.”

Dr. Zorn’s tireless dedication to the field earned him numerous accolades. He was named Superintendent of the Year by the Ohio Parent Teacher Organization in 1990. He was the recipient of the Outstanding Achievement Award for academic excellence by the Poland Schools Foundation for Educational Excellence in 2012. Dr. Zorn was inducted into the Poland All Sports Booster Club Hall of Fame in 2023.

Robert also proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1959 to 1961, finishing his service as a lieutenant.

Outside of his professional life, Robert found joy in life’s simple things. He loved tending his yard, bird watching, boating on the Shenango Reservoir, building model airplanes and driving his 1970 Pontiac LeMans convertible. However, nothing brought him more happiness than time spent with his family, especially their annual trips to Williamsburg, Virginia. Being a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather — affectionately known as “Bobby” — was his greatest delight.

Robert’s legacy continues with the family he and Joan created: his two daughters, Deborah (William) Becherer and Patricia (Gregory) Kelley, both of Poland; five grandchildren, Tyler (Devin) Kelley, Nathan (Katie) Kelley, Sam (Alexa) Becherer, Leigh (Jacob) Sines and Katie (Kent) Paulini; and nine great-grandchildren, Lillian Grace, Lucas Robert, Connor Beard, Maddox Wallace, Benjamin Gregory, Quinn Robert, Cameron James, Anna Mary and Madelyn Marie.

Calling hours will be 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025, at Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home, 270 N. Main St., Poland. A funeral service with military honors will take place at 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 27, 2025, at Poland United Methodist Church, 1940 Boardman Poland Road, Poland, with calling hours one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Poland Schools Foundation, P.O. Box 5217, Poland, OH 44514, with a note in the memo line for the Joan Zorn Scholarship Fund.

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