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AUSTINTOWN -- Robert G. Stricko, 87, passed away peacefully, Friday evening, Feb. 27, 2026, at St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital, surrounded by the love of his family.
Robert was born July 24, 1938, in Youngstown, a son of the late John and Julia Matwiko Stricko, and was a lifelong area resident.
He was a 1956 graduate of Chaney High School and worked as a supervisor at Schwebel Baking Company for 30 years, retiring in 2003.
After high school, Bob played Minor League baseball as a left-handed pitcher with the New York Giants organization, including stints with the Michigan City White Caps (Indiana) and the Hastings Giants (Nebraska). He also proudly served in the National Guard.
Baseball was Bob's lifelong passion. He coached in the Youngstown B League, Austintown Baseball League and the Mill Creek Junior Baseball League, and generously volunteered his time teaching area youth the fundamentals of the game. He was an avid fan of the New York Yankees and attended many spring training games. He enjoyed all sports, and nothing brought him greater pride than supporting his family -- especially attending his children's, grandchildren's and great-grandchildren's sporting events and activities.
Bob leaves to forever cherish his memory, his wife of 62 years, Carolyn Koker Stricko, whom he married Sept. 21, 1963; his children, Bob (Sandy) Stricko of Cleveland, Leslie (Tim) Fernback of Mechanicsburg, Pa., and Dan (Brandy) Stricko of Boardman; his seven grandchildren, Erica, Amanda, Bobby, Ben, Kelsey, Ty and Tanner; five great-grandchildren; and many extended family members and friends.
In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his brother, Jack Stricko.
Family and friends are welcome to attend a funeral service at noon Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at Calvary Cemetery Chapel, 248 S. Belle Vista Ave., Youngstown.
Entombment will follow the committal service.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Kinnick Funeral Home in Youngstown.
Visit kinnickfuneralhome.com to send condolences to Bob's family.
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