Obituary of Robert Andrew Sterling

SILVER LAKE - Robert A. Sterling, 93, passed away peacefully at home April 17, 2021. Born May 13, 1927 in Reading, Pa., to Leroy and Louise Sterling, he was preceded in death by his parents, son Timothy, sister Virginia Haas, brothers Roy and John, and son-in-law Larry Givens. He is survived by his loving wife of seven decades, Sara; sons Andrew, Chris (Michele) and Michael (Jessica); daughters Mary and Sara (Scott); granddaughter Erin, and several nieces and nephews. Bob served in the ski patrol of the U.S. Army occupation forces in Germany after World War II. He later served in the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations in Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business from Ohio State University in 1957 and an MBA from Kent State University in 1962. Bob was a purchasing agent at B.F. Goodrich in Akron from 1957 to 1986, including three years as managing director in the Singapore office. In 1988, he embarked on a 15-year career as an associate professor of business at Mount Union College, where he was beloved by his students. A 50-year resident of Silver Lake, Bob served on the zoning appeals board and enjoyed frequent walks with his dog, Molly. An avid skier, golfer, bowler and tennis player, he remained active in retirement and relished Elderhostel trips with his wife. Bob was a devoted husband and a kind and generous father, and his memory will be cherished by family and friends. A private celebration of his life will take place at a future date.