Robert Allen Fitch, 84, U.S. Air Force Veteran

Robert “Bob” was born in Elyria, Ohio in 1941 to Donald and Vivian (nee Rhone) Fitch, the fourth of six children.

He attended school in Elyria and graduated from Elyria High School. Following his graduation, Bob joined the United States Air Force on August 17, 1961. He made the military his (first) career; during his service Bob was awarded two Bronze Star Medals, two Vietnam Service Medals, the Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon (the highest unit award), the United States Air Force Good Conduct Medal, the United States Air Force Commendation Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. Bob retired from his military career on August 31, 1981 in Abilene, Texas.

Following his discharge, he worked in a machine shop for several years. Later, he went to truck driving school. He graduated and became an over-the-road truck driver for many years. Bob retired from his civilian career (his second) after twenty-plus years. Over the years Bob was a resident of Ohio, Texas and Florida in addition to his military service duty stations in Louisiana, Iowa, New York, Vietnam, Guam, Germany, Michigan and Texas.

Bob thoroughly enjoyed his retirement. He liked camping , fishing and games with his family; his favorite was Mexican Train Dominos. In addition, he enjoyed solving jigsaw puzzles and Lake Erie perch fish fries. (with fish caught by his sons Chris and Donny). He loved watching his family especially the great-grandchildren during family gatherings. He also loved and spoiled his pets. Bob collected Christmas village houses and accessories, likely twenty-plus totes full. Bob also had a small collection of military ball caps.

He married twice in his life. First, to Elizabeth Fitch-Demier (nee Woskobunik) for twenty years. Then later to Patricia Fitch (nee Goffard) for forty-four years.

He is survived by his second wife Patricia, children Traci (Cleary), Donald, Stephanie (Burgett), Debra and Christopher, his grandchildren Melissa, Gregory, Denise, Jessica, Michael and Samantha, seventeen great- grandchildren and three step children. Bob is also survived by three siblings - Ruth Winchel of Ohio, Raymond Fitch of California and Alfred Fitch of Florida.

He was preceded in death by his parents Donald Fitch and Vivian Bendik (nee Rhone), siblings Evelyn (Dittmer), Martin Fitch and Charles Fitch and grandchildren Jennifer, Michael, Travis and Devon as well as by his first wife Elizabeth Fitch-Demier.

Visitation will be held on Monday March 2nd from 4:00 p.m. until the time of funeral services at 5:30 p.m. in the Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel – 3224 Broadway, Lorain. Reverend Kevin Cleary, Pastor of Butternut Church of Christ in Clyde, Ohio will officiate. Amvets Post # 32 of Elyria will conduct military honors to conclude services at 6:00 p.m. Extended fellowship and a celebration of life meal in the funeral chapel will immediately follow the services.