Robert V. Todd

AKRON- Robert Veitch Todd, age 91, formerly of Cuyahoga Falls and Hudson, OH passed away on Monday, April 24, 2023. Bob was born June 18, 1931 in Schenectady, NY to J. Malcolm Todd and Ruth Veitch Todd.

Bob graduated from Mont Pleasant High School (Schenectady, NY) and the University of New Hampshire (1953) with a degree in chemical engineering. It was at UNH that pretty Arla Whittemore caught his eye. They were married in 1954. While at UNH he belonged to the Phi Mu Delta fraternity, ROTC, and sang bass with The Salamanders, a double quartet that performed barbershop type music. Bob was proud that the group auditioned for the Arthur Godfrey "Talent Scout" TV show. He was also proud to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout.

Degree in hand, Bob joined the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company as a Development Engineer. Uncle Sam then intervened and assigned him to Shiroi Air Base in Japan. The newlyweds spent the next two years there where Bob served as a communications officer with the U.S. Air Force Security Service. Upon discharge, Bob & Arla returned to the Akron area where they started their family. At Goodyear, Bob held a variety of positions. His favorite assignment was the six years in Paris, France with Goodyear International as Manager of Technical Service for the European Chemical Division. Later, while working in Chemical R&D and Projects & Licensing, Bob participated in Goodyear's initial commercial contacts with the Peoples Republic of China (1979-80). Visiting China in that era was clearly another highlight of his 38 year career. Bob retired from Goodyear in 1991.

In retirement Bob volunteered at St. Thomas Hospital and for Meals on Wheels. He enjoyed playing poker, and he and Arla were in several bridge groups. Traveling and Potsdam, NY reunions were family highlights. Bob also enjoyed singing in church choirs with Arla at The American Church of Paris, Hudson United Methodist Church (OH) and First United Methodist Church in Cuyahoga Falls (OH).

Bob enjoyed many sports. Over the years he participated in Goodyear bowling, softball, basketball, and golf leagues. An average though avid golfer, he liked to brag about his hole-in-one from Big Springs Golf Course in Hudson (OH). He was a dedicated sports fan, living and dying with the ups and downs of his Indians/Guardians, Cavs and Browns teams. The Cavs and the Indians will be missing a very loyal fan.

Bob was, above all else, a family man. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Perhaps the hardest and most challenging job he faced was the care he provided to his wife Arla for 10+ years as the effects of her dementia altered their lifestyle. Married almost 65 years and separated only temporarily by her passing, Bob remained devoted to "his best girl". Bob was extremely proud of his children's and grandchildren's accomplishments. He was always grateful for their love and devotion to him. In recent years he enjoyed getting to know the next generation...his great granddaughter and his six great-grandsons.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife Arla (2019); he was the last of his generation in our family. He is survived by his three children. Daughters: Dianne (Charles) Sawyer of Candler, NC and Shirley (Victor) Guardiola of Whitehouse, OH. Son: Robert W. (Paula) Todd of Suffield, OH. He is survived by six grandchildren: Kristen S. (Paul) Bastide, Kimberly S. (Adam) Becker, Jonathan (Lauren) Guardiola, Kelsey M. (Andy) Halka, Ian R. (Abby) Todd, Todd J. Guardiola, and seven great-grands: Payton, Logan, Connor, Everett, Samuel, Isaac and Jackson. He will also be remembered by numerous nephews and nieces. His legacy and memory lives on through us and he will be greatly missed.

Dad did not want calling hours. A family memorial service will be scheduled at a later date. We also plan to celebrate his life at a Guardians game sometime this season (hopefully they will win!). Should you desire, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church, Cuyahoga Falls, OH (Chancel Choir), the University of New Hampshire (Class of 1953). or a charity of your choice.

Our family would like to extend our very deep appreciation for the loving care and friendship given to Bob (and Arla) over the past ten years by the Brookdale Montrose staff. They became family. Thank you also to Suncrest Hospice helping Dad transition on this final journey.
 

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