Robert Louis Pearl, also known as Bob to his family and friends, lived an exceptional life reserving a special place in everyone's heart he met. Bob was first and foremost a son, brother, husband, father, uncle, and grandfather to all of his loved ones. He was a World War II veteran and proud Tribal member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation (Shawnee, OK).
Robert was born May 25, 1926 in Rossville, KS to Thomas and Florence (née Doyle) Pearl (deceased) and the grandchild of James H. and Rosa (née Kiernan) Pearl, Sr. and James and Mary (Slavin) Doyle. He was one of six siblings–Marjorie Guerich (deceased); James (deceased) and Eileen Pearl; Maureen Howes Harris (deceased); Sister Virginia Pearl, CSJ; and Gerald and Hildegard Pearl (deceased). A child raised throughout the years of the Great Depression in the Dust Bowl region built his tremendous character and sense of duty to his family, community, and Nations. Despite his family receiving a farm deferment for one of the family's sons, Robert chose to enlist during World War II on September 25, 1944. He was first stationed at Fort Leavenworth (KS) for basic training and later stationed at Camp Robinson (AR) as a Classification Specialist.
During his service, he was tasked with interviewing enlisted personnel as they returned from or prepared for overseas deployment, making recommendations for inter-camp transfers, and assisting with any processes or preparation of travel accommodations for soldiers returning from active duty. Anyone who knew him, knows there was no one better to serve in this role as he was always a careful listener who led first with empathy and respect. Robert was honorably discharged on June 21, 1946 at Fort Sam Houston (TX). After the end of his service, he decided to pursue a college degree utilizing the G.I. Bill at St. Louis University where he graduated in 1951 and met the love of his life and wife of 56 years, Joyce Ann (née Cox) Pearl (deceased).
Robert and Joyce married on June 20, 1953 in St. Louis, MO. Together, they raised five daughters–Janet A. Pearl, Lakewood, OH; Ellen K. Pochedley (Thomas) Hardgrove, Columbiana, OH; Maureen S. (Mousa) Babaki, Westlake, OH; Meghan K. (Mike) Musko, Vancouver, WA; Erin A. (Rich) Bruening, Parma, OH; and preceded in death by son-in-law, Joseph Pochedley. Robert and Joyce decided to relocate their young family from St. Louis, MO to Parma Hts., OH in 1960. Despite being far from home, Robert always ensured their family traveled "home" at least once a year to visit his family in Kansas and Oklahoma and Joyce's family in Kentucky, Missouri, and Indiana. All of his nieces and nephews have fond memories of these visits "home," and continue to share these stories with his daughters, grandchildren, and great- grandchildren.
Together, Robert and Joyce were Founding Members of Saint John Bosco parish in Parma Hts., OH, established in 1963. Over the years, Robert served as an Eucharistic minister and volunteered his time every week to serve as an Offertory Counter. He was also a member of the Holy Name Society, Saint John Bosco Seniors, and Saint Vincent de Paul Society, and as an Adorer in the Perpetual Adoration Chapel. Outside of his service at Saint John Bosco, he also was a member of the Saint Padre Pio prayer group.
Robert worked for nearly 35 years in the petroleum industry as an accounting executive for Standard Oil and retired in 1985. After retirement, Robert and Joyce traveled the U.S. and the world. They were also patrons of Cleveland's Playhouse Square, and often enjoyed the arts, music, opera, theater, and social gatherings, such as bridge club. Robert was a lifelong learner and active participant in Baldwin Wallace University's Institute for Learning in Retirement. Robert also took an active role in the lives of his grandchildren and great- grandchildren–Matthew (Jessica), Steven (deceased), and Laura Babaki; Lakota (Bill) Hobia and Elan (Caroline Dönmez) Pochedley; Max and Maor Bruening; Wren and Leo; and was a special Grandpa Bob to many adopted grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He never missed the opportunity to spend time with them, share all of his knowledge and wisdom, take them with him on his travels, and celebrate all their accomplishments.
No words could capture the life and impact of Robert Louis Pearl, and he will be so dearly missed by all he touched throughout his long life.
The family suggests memorial contributions to:
1. St. John Bosco Church, 6480 Pearl Rd., Parma Hts., OH 44130; 2. Native Forward Scholars Fund, https://www.nativeforward.org/donate-now/; 3. Sisters of the Incarnate Word, 6618 Pearl Rd, Parma Hts., OH 44130; OR 4. A charity of your choice.
Friends may call at the Zabor Funeral Home, 5680 Pearl Rd., Parma (between Snow and Ridge) from 3-7 PM on Friday, April 28. Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday. April 29 at 10:00 AM at St. John Bosco Church with Interment following at the Holy Cross Cemetery.