Bobby “Bob” L. Rhea Sr., 92, traded this land of the dying for the land of the living on Sunday, January 16, 2022. Bob was born March 13, 1929, in Johnson City, Tennessee, to Lawrence and Celia Rhea. He was the youngest of four boys. At the age of one, the family moved to Salem, New Jersey, where he would begin school. Wanting to follow his brothers’ footsteps, Bob decided he was going to leave school a little early and go sign up for the Army. After stretching the truth “a bit” Bob was on his way to basic training at 15 years old. After a few months, with the help of his mother and the Red Cross, Bob was discharged and was back in school. This stint did afford him WWII accommodations, however. At 17 years old, he decided he wanted another go of it, and joined the US Air Force. Over the course of the next 20 years, Bob would receive multiple promotions and awards. He found his niche in supply and was a Tech Sergeant. When Bob retired from the Air Force after 20 years, he had seen multiple wars (WWII, Korean, and Vietnam), and duty stations. He had been to Spain, Philippines, Japan, Vietnam, and Newfoundland; as well as a host of places domestically.
After retiring from the Air Force, Bob began his career at HJ Heinz company, in Salem, NJ. In 1977, he was transferred to Fremont, OH, where he would call home. Bob was a warehouse supervisor; known by his unbelievably white pants and shirts that he would wear. To this day, no one knows how he was able to keep his clothes so spotless in the factory. He would retire from Heinz in 1992, after 26 years.
Throughout the years, Bob has held a number of positions in various organizations, including: Interclub Chair for Fremont Kiwanis (Lifetime member), Campfire Board, The News-Messenger Board, and Chairperson for the United Way. He was a member of Greater St. James for years and Victory Church. His most cherished positions were husband, father, and grandfather (Pop Pop). Bob was an immaculate dresser. He loved to bowl and watch his Pittsburgh Steelers.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, and daughter, Sharon Alpheaus- Rhea. He leaves behind to cherish his memory: wife, Violetta Rhea of 47 years, daughter, Donna Lee (Anderson) White, son, Bobby Rhea Jr., daughter, Regina Aleem-Rhea, son, Martin (Yvette) Rhea, son, Thomas Anderson, son, Barry Anderson, and son, Lawrence (Jennifer) Rhea. He also leaves a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great children, nieces and nephews.
There will be a celebration of life held at a later date.
Offer Condolences for the family of Bobby “Bob” L. Rhea
Print Obituary & Condolences
Kenda Aldrich
Condolences to his entire family.
I worked for him, in the warehouse, at Heinz for a few years.
He was a good man and a great boss.
Angie Sherman
My deepest condolences to the family. I first met Bob when I worked at Heinz for the vending company. He was a great man and the Ultimate Steeler Fan! I think that’s why I loved him so much! His smile and laugh were contagious! I hope Heaven is ready for this sweet man! Prayers to the family. He will be missed greatly!
Jacqueline Webster
My deepest condolences and prayers to you Donna and your family in this time of need. May the angels of heaven give you strength and assure you that God is holding your father’s hands to his next heavenly journey home.
Annette Moore
My deepest sympathy to all. I bowled with Bobby at Rainbow Lanes for many years. So much fun!!
He will be missed by many. RIP
Adolf moreno
My deep condolences and prayers to Bobby’s family and for his soul. A sad Good bye to a Great friend and Co-worker. He will be missed . May The Lord be with you Bobby.
Love,
Your friend
Adolf
Paula Robb
My condolence to all the family. This is a difficult time for all of us, but nothing compares to the loss of a loved one. I didn’t know him that well. I worked in the warehouse on nights during the seasons. He was always friendly when I did see him. I may have bowled against him at Rainbow. May your memories of him stay forever in your hearts & know he has joined the choir of angels.
Greater St. James Church
Our hearts are saddened to lean of the passing of Mr. Rhea. He will always be remembered as our real good friend and brother. To the family, we know that your loss is deep, and your sorrow is great, but we want you to know that we do share in your sorrow. You are on our minds, in our hearts, and at the center of our prayers.
Greater St. James Church
Fremont, OH
Nancy J Sattler
Vi,
I am so sorry to hear of the death of your husband. He sounds like he was a wonderful man. My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Nancy Sattler
Vicki and Tim Hoffman
My Deepest Sympathy to the family, especially to Vi and Lawrence who I knew.
Prayers and Hugs.
Rachel Wing Brink
Lawrence and Jennifer, so very sorry to hear of the loss of your father. Prayers of comfort to your whole family.
Jim Fox
The loss of a family member or friend is always emotionally difficult. I would like to extend my condolences to Vi and the entire Rhea family. I met Bobby when I first graduated from college and joined Heinz at Fremont. His huge smile and ability to handle any situation gracefully and efficiently was a great role model for me and I have continued to think of Bob over the years with fond memories. How he managed to keep his immaculately pressed white shirt and slacks at work clean were a mystery to all of us and he always managed to brighten a room when he entered. Our country was the beneficiary of his years of service in the military, Heinz had a respected member of the local management team, and our community was graced by the gift of his time and work supporting many different civic groups. We are all better off having known and worked with Bobby. I am sure he is now brightening the heavenly world and bringing more smiles to the angels.
jeanette gleba
My deepest sympathy to the entire family! I am keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers!
Brian Lehmann
Bob was the neighbor across the street from my parents. I have countless memories of him talking with me about the Steelers, and entertaining conversations. To me, Bob had a special laugh that would always put you in a great mood! I’ll miss him dearly! God bless him and the family.
Archester Jr. and Rhonda Rhea
Uncle Bobby kept us laughing and talking when his beloved football team was playing; especially when they were winning. He loved all of his family. He insisted on checking in regularly with his Texas relatives. When he called or we called him, he asked about everyone. We shall miss those calls and hearing his laughter. Aunt Vi, may our God give you peace and continue to comfort you. We send our love to our cousins. Your Dad was one of kind among the Rhea men. We share in your love for him! In our hearts, we celebrate his remarkable life with you.
Mike Jay
Bobby Rhea was a respected and fun individual we all looked forward to seeing. He lit up the room whenever he walked in. Bobby was a great Kiwanian and human being. My condolences to Vi and the rest of the Rhea family.
Leanne Rhea-Marshall
Sending my love , thoughts and prayers to my Aunt Vy and all my cousins. Uncle Bobby will surely be missed, but forever be in our hearts. May you cherish the memories of him and just know he will be watching over you.