Robert C. Pfendler

Robert C. Pfendler, age 101 (his 102nd year), of Jackson Township, died peacefully in his home Thursday, June 1, 2023. He was born in Massillon, Ohio, Stark County on July 8, 1921, to Sylvester and Rita (Deck) Pfendler, and has resided in Jackson Township since 1957.

Robert attended St. Mary’s grade school in Massillon and was a 1939 graduate of Washington High School (Massillon). He was employed at Tyson Roller Bearing Company from 1940 to 1942, was inducted into the United States Army in August of 1942, and served in the Army Air Corps as an airplane mechanic overseas, during which time he was stationed at British Air Depot 2 in Blackpool, England, where he repaired B-24 bombers and fighter planes.

Upon his return, he attended John Carroll University from 1946-1948 and graduated from Ohio University in June of 1950. He taught English and later Speech, Debate and Theatre; first at Hamilton High School, next at Canton McKinley High School and finally at Massillon Washington High School until December of 1965. On June 21, 1947, he made the best decision of his life and married Jane Elizabeth Crowe. He completed his Master’s Degree in Communications and Guidance Counseling at Kent State University during this time. In January of 1966 he became Dean of Students at the Kent State Stark Campus until retiring in 1977.

Dad loved the water and was fortunate to move to Lake Cable in July of 1977, where Dad and Mom loved their retirement days, and soon thereafter they started spending their winters together in Stuart, Florida.

Robert loved his children, and in their younger years he always found ways to make their lives an adventure; exploring the woods on Stuhldreher, teaching them archery, swimming, canoeing, sailing, camping, enjoying model trains, building, and launching model rockets together, shooting fireworks - always doing his best to preserve and nurture their childhood spirits. Later in life he continued this love and adventure with his grandchildren.

Robert was a lover of the Arts, in all of its forms. He was an excellent dancer, he would draw and paint in many mediums, he sculpted quite well in clay, wood, and sand. He loved photography. He could recite Shakespeare at the drop of a hat, loved the spoken word and had a special fondness for acting and the stage. He would often break into song or on special occasions treat you to a “rendition” on his harmonica. He was truly a Renaissance man of sorts.

Robert was preceded in death by his loving wife, Jane Elizabeth (Crowe) Pfendler in 1992, his brother, Cullen R. Pfendler in 2015, and by his first son, Robert James Pfendler in 2006.

He is survived by his three remaining children, Christopher Charles (Sarah) Pfendler, Jennie Ann (Dr. Kevin) Dieter and David Michael Pfendler; grandchildren, Kathryne Leigh (Justin) Walker, Lucas Scott Dieter, Hannah (Monica) Dieter, Andrew Charles (Morgan) Pfendler and John Charles Pfendler; great grandchildren, Astrid Jane Walker, Emerson Simone Dieter, and Ada Mae Dieter; daughter-in-law, Debra Pfendler; and his good friend Maggie Denman.

Calling hours will be Saturday, June 24, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm and from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the Paquelet Funeral Home, located at 1100 Wales Rd NE, Massillon, OH 44646. There will be a brief memorial service at the funeral home following the afternoon calling hours at 4:00 pm. I lieu of flowers, Robert requested that those who wish could make a donation to the charity of their choice. Messages of comfort and support may be sent to the family at www.paquelet.com.

Paquelet Funeral Home & Crematory

(330) 833-3222