Robert Philip Munz

Surrounded by his loving family, Robert Philip Munz passed away on Saturday, August 14, 2021.  Robert was born and raised in East Cleveland, Ohio, graduating from Brush High School.  He then graduated from The Ohio State University in 1968, majoring in Ceramic Engineering.  He chose to work at The Lincoln Electric Company as a Research and Development Engineer.  He developed welding products and registered many patents for his ideas.

 In 1975, he met and married the love of his life, Bonnie Martin.  Together they bought a property in Lenox Township that became an ongoing construction and development project! 

Robert was a life member of the NRA.  He was a firearms instructor for the NRA and became a merit badge counselor of the Boy Scouts, sharing his love of the shooting sports.  He was a Mason and member of the Grand Lodge of F. & A.M. of Ohio.  Robert was a member of the United Methodist Church from a young age and transferred his membership to the Jefferson Church after his marriage.

Robert drew up the plans for the many additions to their home.  He enjoyed wood-working, did the inside finishing of the home and completed many carpentry projects.  He was interested in gardening, was an avid reader, enjoyed classical music, opera and live theater performances.  Robert and Bonnie had the same seats for over 45 years at Severance Hall to hear concerts performed by the Cleveland Orchestra.   He was a wine maker and kept hives of bees.

He was a devoted Ohio State Football Fan and had season tickets for over 50 years – GO BUCKS!  He loved games and played “Bridge” two or three nights a week for many years.

Every Thursday for over 40 years, Robert played tennis at the Mayfield Racquet Club with three other buddies from Lincoln Electric.  He also enjoyed bowling and golf.  He collected cars and was an active member of two car clubs – Porsche and Jaguar.  “Poker Runs” were his favorite rallies!  He bought a 1972 Pinzgauer and restored the interior – even replacing the upholstery himself.

Traveling was an integral part of Robert’s life.  It started with van trips to the National Parks when the children were small.  Eventually, he and Bonnie would visit over 104 countries and become part of the Traveler’s Century Club.  Together they stayed in the “Ice Hotel” in Sweden.  They climbed the Great Wall and breathed the thin air of Tibet.  Hand in hand, they explored the Galapagos Islands and were amazed by the wonders of Machu Pichu.  Robert and Bonnie returned to Australia many times.  They circumnavigated the country/continent on one cruise and visited Tasmania and New Zealand on another.  Whether climbing the Sydney Harbor Bridge, riding a camel across the Gobi Desert or rafting on the Mekong River, his wonderful sense of humor and constant curiosity made every trip an adventure to remember.

Robert also served his community by being on the Lenox Zoning Commission for over 40 years.  He chaired the commission for many of those years.

His next goal in life was to pass his joy of life, love and learning and excitement of adventure to his three grandsons.

Robert is survived by his wife of 46 years, Bonnie, his son, Michael (Juliet), daughters Annemarie Munz, Amanda (Todd) Stevenson, grandsons, Julius and Mark Munz and Garrett Stevenson and cousins, Cathy Goliath and Carole Castrilla.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Edythe Munz and his sister, Marcia Nordbruch.

A quiet family service was held on Saturday, August 21.  He is buried at Oakdale Cemetery in Jefferson.  He will be missed.

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