Fr. Robert W. Kaylor

The Rev. Robert W. Kaylor, a popular priest who served as principal and president of Central Catholic High School, died November 10, 2023, after a long illness. He is survived by his brother Richard (April) Kaylor; nephew Robert (Lauren) Kaylor; and two great-nieces Claire and Cecilia.

A native of Massillon, Fr. Kaylor graduated in 1962 from Central, the same school he would go on to serve for more than 40 years.Fr. Kaylor graduated from John Carroll University and completed his seminary studies at St. Gregory and Mount St. Mary in Cincinnati. He also graduated from the Athenaeum of Ohio and acquired a master’s degree from Mount St. Mary.

Following Fr. Kaylor’s ordination in 1970, his first pastoral assignment was as an assistant priest at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, where he later served as priest for three years.

In 1972, Fr. Kaylor joined the faculty at Central Catholic as a part-time religion teacher, an assignment that became his full-time vocation starting in 1975. He also served as an administrator at the former St. Paul parish in Canton and as a pastor of St. Therese Parish in Brewster.

In 1988, Fr. Kaylor was appointed principal at Central Catholic and became the school’s president in 2011, a position he held until his retirement in 2017.

In 2022, Habitat for Humanity East Central Ohio built two homes in Massillon in Fr. Kaylor’s honor.

In addition to his educational career, Fr. Kaylor remained true to his calling as a priest, celebrating hundreds of wedding and funeral Masses throughout Stark County. He also served as a chaplain for the Catholic Young Adult Club of Stark County and was a grand knight of the Knights of Columbus. Furthermore, he served as chaplain of Canton Legatus, was a Perry Rotary member, served on the Aultman Board of Directors, Heart Association board member, as well as a member of the Board of Community Classic.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, November 16th from 3:30pm-7pm at St. Joan of Arc followed by a prayer service until 8pm. Calling hours will resume on Friday, November 17th at the church from 10am-10:45 am.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, November 17th at 11 a.m. at the church with the Most Reverend David J. Bonnar, Bishop of Youngstown, officiating. He will be laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Central Catholic High School in memory of Fr. Kaylor.