Robert “Bob” Bruce Zedaker was born to Lorenzo and Margaret (Hurl) Zedaker Sept. 29, 1931 in Masury, Ohio. Following the births of his older brothers Arthur “Art” and Wilbur “Wimp,” respectively, Robert was the youngest.
Robert graduated in 1951 from Sharon High School located in Sharon, Pennsylvania where he met the love of his life, Joanne Elizabeth Uhl his junior year in their homeroom 317–from which he was kicked out of for talking to Joanne too much and consequently, spent the rest of the year with his home room relocated to the nurse’s office. The two married Jan. 26, 1953 and over their 62 years of marriage, produced a legacy of five children, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Throughout his career, Robert worked at a variety of places, including the original Quaker State–before it became a restaurant chain, Oakwood Cemetery, Greenville City Car and Westinghouse from which he retired after 28 and a half years of service. In addition, Robert also served in the United States Army in Austria during the Korean War and even coached little league baseball teams in his spare time.
After the birth of their first grandchild, Robert and Joanne moved south to Texas following the migration of their children to be closer to their family. Even in post-retirement, Robert was never one to sit still and soon began working as a stocker at Target.
Robert was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, beloved by all who knew him. His grandkids, now all in their 20s and 30s, can recall him taking long walks with them around the neighborhood, helping them make birdhouses, feeding ducks at Meyer Park and attending every single sporting event, dance recital and band concert in which they participated.
Robert was known for having a pocket full of Werther’s hard candies at all times, a baseball cap on his head and smelling distinctly of Old Spice aftershave. If he was not out walking around, he could usually be found swinging on his back porch, reading the newspaper and eating cornflakes or watching a baseball game.
Robert was a dedicated fan of the Oakland Raiders, his favorite movie was Apple Annie, although he loved anything with John Wayne, and his favorite song was “Proud Mary” by Credence Clearwater Revival. He was also a fan of the band Boston, because he enjoyed organ music.
Although he spent the last month of his life in and out of hospitals, Robert never lost his wit or his love for his wife. During one of his physical therapy sessions, his granddaughter noted that instead of doing his exercises, he was trying to play footsies with Joanne while holding her hands.
As with life, Robert died with his wife by his side of medical complications, in the North Cypress Medical Center at approximately 7:43 p.m. on May 26, 2015 at the age of 83.
Robert is proceeded in death by both his parents, his son William “Bill” Alan Zedaker and daughter Suzanne Elizabeth Zedaker.
He is survived by his wife Joanne Elizabeth Zedaker, sons David Bruce Zedaker and Robert “Bob” William Zedaker and daughter Cynthia “Cindy” Louise Zedaker.
Robert is also survived by grandchildren Jennifer Lynn Zedaker, Julie Elizabeth Hannegan, Jessica Marie Short, Robert “Wade” Zedaker and Hannah Leigh Zedaker and great-grandchildren James Michael Short and Andrew David Short.
The family will have a private ceremony.
Hannah L. Zedaker 
Julie, sorry to hear about your grandfather. We will be praying for comfort for your whole family.
LikeLike
This is a lovely tribute. The reference to smelling of Old Spice made me smile. My father, Bob’s older brother “Wimp,” always wore that after shave, too.
LikeLike
Will be dearly missed! He is at peace & without pain or discomfort! Fond memories! Thoughts & prayers to my sister & her family at this heartfelt time
LikeLike
What a lovely tribute for Uncle Bob. The mention of Old Spice reminded me so much of my father, Wimp. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
LikeLike