Robert J. Maruna, 90, passed away on June 2, 2022 at Danbury Assisted Living in Wooster, Ohio. Bob was born on November 26, 1931 in Cleveland, Ohio son of Frank and Ann Maruna. It was on a playground near St. Rocco s church in Cleveland that Bob pushed a beautiful girl named Dolores Tubero on a swing. That girl made a lasting impression on Bob and he dreamed of marrying her someday.
Over the years, Bob proudly played football for Cathedral Latin High School and maintained ties with alumni throughout his life. He attended Ohio University where he continued his football career. From there, Bob served his country during the Korean War in the U.S. Air Force. Upon his return, he reconnected with and eventually married Dolores Tubero, the lovely girl he met on the playground. Their wedding was held at St. Rocco s church. Bob and Dolores were married for nearly 66 years until Dolores passing on Nov. 1, 2020. Faith, love, friendship and service were central to their marriage and they became role models to all who knew them. They had 5 children who survive Robert (Marilyn), Karen (and the late Terry Smith), Todd (Kimberli), Lynn (Bruce Taylor), and Mark (Donna) along with 15 grandchildren Carli (Kevin Loerch) Scott (fiancé Adriana Krywiak) Kevin Smith (MaryBeth) Matthew Smith, Jacob, Alex, Max, and Faith Maruna, Kaylie, Lauren and Brayden Taylor, Mia, Marcus, Caroline and Nathan Maruna and 3 great- grandchildren Ellie and Katelyn Loerch and Kendall Smith.
Bob worked for over 50 years as director of recreation and later, as a development director who was responsible for fundraising at The Village Network in Wooster, Ohio. Although this was his job, it was truly a ministry as he made a difference in so many lives he touched. Bob could never actually retire. He was passionately involved with The Village Network staff, alumni and supporters even in his later years. The Village Network gym was named the Robert J Maruna Field House after him in 2018. When asked about his career, Bob was quoted as saying he received far more than he ever gave to The Village .
In addition to being a valuable staff member at The Village Network, Bob was an active supporter for the extended Wooster community. He was instrumental in starting The Wooster High School Sideliners Club which raised funds to build The Dean Davis Building for WHS athletes. In 1986, Bob instituted and served as president of the Wooster High School All Sports Hall of Fame as a way to recognize athletes, coaches and others who contributed in a positive manner to the high school athletic program. In 2007, Bob was inducted into the Wooster Hall of Fame and received The Blue and Gold Award in recognition of his contributions to the program. He also served as past president of the Canton Hall of Fame Luncheon Club, under the parent organization of the Canton Hall of Fame.
Family meant everything to Bob. He and Dolores welcomed everyone to become part of their extended family. Bob enjoyed attending activities and sporting events for his children and grandchildren and was their biggest fan. He was also known to pick up the phone and chat with family members and friends about their current school or club team, the Browns, the Buckeyes or whatever interested them. Bob was a devoted Catholic and member of St. Mary Catholic Church. It s comforting to know he is reunited with his childhood sweetheart, Dolores, his parents, brothers Paul and Frank and the many relatives and friends who have passed before him.
The family wishes to thank Ohio s Hospice LifeCare and Danbury Assisted Living for their excellent care over the past several weeks.
A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, July 8, 2022 at 10:00AM at St. Mary Catholic Church, in Wooster, with Rev. Stephen Moran officiating. A private family burial service will take place at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Seville on Monday, July 11, 2022.
McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster is assisting the family.
Those who wish can make memorial contributions to The Village Network, 2000 Noble Dr, Wooster OH 44691.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com
Memorial Contributions
Those who wish can make memorial contributions to The Village Network, 2000 Noble Dr, Wooster OH 44691.
Service
A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, July 8, 2022 at 10:00AM at St. Mary Catholic Church. A private family burial service will take place at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Seville.
Visitation
We are so very sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in knowing that he is in a better place and has been reunited with the love of his life.
Mark and family, I am terribly sorry for the passing of your father. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Love to the family.
I am so sorry for your loss. He was a beautiful man and soul, just like Mrs. Maruna. My heart, prayers and thoughts go out to all of you.
Deepest condolences to all of the Maruna families. May Bob rest in peace.
Mr. Maruna was a great guy I had a lot of respect for him.
So sorry for your loss. Many prayers . Bob was such a Great Guy and a Honor of knowing Him . Peace be with your Family
Our condolences to you and your entire family. Bob truly is a role model. Please find peace knowing he is relieved of his pain and find comfort he is reunited with Dolores. God Bless!
To the Maura Family…..So sorry to hear of Bob’s passing……know that you are in our thoughts and prayers……the Pasquariello family
My condolences to your family. Knowing Bob was a blessing in my life.Prayers to all of you.
Our deepest and most sincere condolences to the Maruna family.
Nothing but fond memories of Bob. A class act in every way.
A leader, a roll model, and a caring and loving friend who always
put a smile on our faces. Heaven received a special Angel
Love, thoughts and prayers to you all
I am so sorry to hear of Bob passing. I worked with him for many years at BV, ordering clothing for the boys. He was a great man, kind and compassionate to all he met. Sending prayers and hugs to his family and friends. He will be missed by many.
Sorry to hear about “Mr. Maruna’s” passing! Todd, I still remember you and your Dad taking me to the old Municipal Stadium to see my first Browns game…and taking me to visit Ohio Northern during our H.S. days. Lastly, I will never forget our overnights in the gym (total chaos….can’t believe he let 10 or so crazy boys do that!). Blessings to you all! Mike (mikebattigvt@gmail.com)
I had the wonderful blessing of meeting Bob at a Wayne-Holmes Browns Backers event in 1988. He encouraged me to become a volunteer at Boys’ Village (now The Village Network) which evolved into 34 years of true friendship. Bob was not only a true friend, but an invaluable mentor in my life. Maruna Family …. Bob was so proud of you, and oftentimes told me how blessed he was to have such a wonderful family.
My deepest condolences to the family.
So Sorry for your Loss. Bob was such a great person. May Peace be with your Family
Mark and Family, I can’t express enough how much love and admiration I had for your Father. He was so kind to everyone, and always brought a smile and good joke to all he met. I’m so sorry for your loss. Sending you peace and hugs.
I’ve known Bob since I was a freshman in high school. I worked with him at Pierces throughout my career. He was so helpful and loyal.later when he retired I would do a lot of embroidery work for him. I love Bob and consider him one of the best influences in my life. I’m glad he lived such a long and productive life.
I am so sorry for your loss. I have so many great memories of my time with the Maruna family. One of the best parts of my life. May he be at peace in God’s Hands. Hugs love to you all! Mary Halloran
So sorry to hear about your dad he was an awesome man!
Sending our sincere condolences.
My brother,my Wife and I had the privilege of working with Bob on a number of committees for the village and the Wooster high school hall of fame.
First class all the way. Our prayers are with the family!
Sorry to hear about your Dad. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time.
Sincere condolences from Mitzi Dzurko and her entire family to the Maruna’s.
Mark and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I remember Bob fondly. He was so fun to be around and treated us teenagers like adults when we didn’t deserve it. Peace be with you all!
Lynn and family….I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your father. He was a wonderful godly man who served so many. I so enjoyed the times I was able to talk with him when he would come in to work. My thoughts and prayers go out to your entire family during this time of sadness. Just know God welcomed him with open arms, saying well done my good and faithful servant. God Bless.
Bob was a warm & welcoming smile at TVN. May love, wonderful & happy memories and warm thoughts provide some comfort to all of you during this difficult time.
Tabby
The Village Network
A great loss. Our prayers are with the family. May he RIP..
I am so sorry for your families great loss he will be greatly missed. There is comfort knowing he’s been reunited with his beloved. Prayers for all the family.
To all the Maruna family we send our deepest condolences. Bob was a good friend and great role model for all who knew him. He will be sadly missed. His smile was magical and could brighten a dreary day.
I can’t say enough about Mr. Maruna-It’s like i lost a second father.Love to all.
Bob made a lasting impression on me from my old high school days. He was always so positive and later when I had the good fortune to meet Deloris I see where Bob got his goodness from. My heart felt condolences to all the family.
Bob Maruna was a Hero to so many, including myself.
Passionate, Compassionate, Caring and a Kind Soul with a Big Heart.
Mr. Maruna would light up the room – and when He entered a room to work on a project – We just knew that Everything would be alright
Heroes are hard to come by. I am Blessed that Bob was my Hero, and Always will be.
God Bless the Maruna Family
Just ran across this. So sorry to hear. So many memories. I was in residence at Boy’s Village 1969-1971. Was able to meet with coach a few times later in life. Can’t put into words how much I appreciate all he did. Thanks Coach