Robert Eugene Kilpatrick

ROBERT E. “KIL” KILPATRICK September 8, 1951 – March 26, 2021 Robert E. “Kil” Kilpatrick, 69, of Perry Township, passed away March 26, 2021. He was born in Canton, Ohio, to Katherine Jane (Browning) Kilpatrick and Eugene Jack Kilpatrick. He is survived by his wife of 21 years, Cathy (Reichard) Kilpatrick; his mother and father-in-law Gene and Mary Reichard; sister Karen (Brenda) Stilgenbauer; son Bobby (Jamie) Kilpatrick; son Brian (Jacquie) Kilpatrick; daughter Molly (Bryan) Janosek; grandchildren Caden, Riley, Kasey, and Tyler Kilpatrick: Jackson and Rylan Janosek. He was a 1969 graduate of Perry High School and a 1973 graduate of Bowling Green University. If there is a synonym for Kil, it has to be passion – for his family, community, students, and friends. All of his written communications he signed with a hand-drawn red heart and a “Go Perry!” For any significant events, everyone expected one of his poems initiating laughter and sometimes a few tears. Bob retired from Perry Local Schools in 2010 after teaching and coaching for thirty-five years. During his career he coached football, basketball, and tennis. In 2011 he was inducted into the Perry Athletic Hall of Fame for which he later served as president. His passion for teaching helped him receive a 1994 scholarship through Northeastern University to attend a summer workshop at Martha’s Vineyard where he quickly earned recognition for his stories and football analogies. He loved his students and athletes, but insisted on teaching them discipline, respect and communication skills. He always used his coaching voice in the classroom, frequently causing teachers in nearby rooms to pause thinking he was in some sort of confrontation with a student before realizing it was just Kil talking. He stayed young as he got older due to the strong bonds he had with his children and grandchildren. He was great teacher and coach, but he was an even better father and grandfather to his kids and grandkids. His grandchildren were his pride and joy. He traveled all over the country to ensure that he was participating in every aspect of their lives. We couldn’t ask for a better Patriarch for our family. Although he was Coach Kil to many, he was a best friend and husband to Cathy and a one-of-a-kind Dad to Bobby, Brian, and Molly (and all of their friends). He was the proudest Grandpa/Popo Kil/Papa to his six incredible grandchildren. Just like he was with his kids, he was even more engaged with his grandchildren. He would drop anything at any time to talk, advise, support or most importantly, listen. His smile would light up the room every time he was with them. The only time he ever accepted losing was if he was on the opposing team to his grandkids, and even then, he wasn’t all that pleased about it. “We love you, Dad. We couldn’t have asked for better life with you; we only wish it could have been longer.” Bobby, Brian & Molly. Coach Kil was an accomplished teacher, coach and mentor to people of all ages in his beloved Perry Township community. He’s inspired generations of students and athletes during his teaching and coaching career at Perry High School. He brought out the best in people every day of his life. We can measure his accomplishments as a teacher and a coach, but what’s not quantifiable is his undying love for his wife Cathy, their family and friends. Calling hours Thursday, April 1, 2021: Paquelet Funeral Home (1100 Wales Rd. NE, Massillon) 4:00 to 7:00 pm. Service Friday, April 2, 2021: Perry Christian Church (139 Perry Dr, NW, Canton) 11:00 am Calling hours will also be available from 10 -11 AM prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Perry Athletic Hall of Fame. Attention Pat Murray.