Robert Edward Hatherill

Robert (Bob) Hatherill, age 90, passed away peacefully at the home he built and loved surrounded by his loving family on May 17, 2026.

He was the youngest of four children to Wilbur and Inez (Garzoni) Hatherill born on December 3, 1935, in Akron, Ohio.

He attended Fraunfelter School and was a graduate of Central High School, Class of 1954. It was there that he met his beloved wife of over seventy years, Letha.

Bob earned a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Akron. He was captain of the University of Akron football team and was named Athlete of the Year in 1958. He was a proud member of the Varsity A Club. Bob was inducted into the University of Akron Sports Hall of Fame in 2002.

Bob served in the Army Reserves as a Captain in the Military Police.

He distinguished himself in his career in the Akron Public Schools as a teacher, football coach, and principal from 1958-1997. He left a lasting impression on countless students, faculty, and parents. He was known for his fairness, high standards, sense of humor and love of his students.

After retirement Bob and Letha enjoyed traveling, family gatherings at their “park-like” home and just being together. Nothing meant more to Bob than his family and friends.

Along with his parents, Bob was preceded in death by siblings Delores LaPointe, Wilbur (Junior) Hatherill, Donald Hatherill, and beloved nephew Mark Hatherill.

He will be deeply missed by his high school sweetheart, Letha, and their four loving daughters and spouses. He loved being a Girl Dad to Lisa Hatherill (Kathy McConnell), Lynn (Richard) Lewis, Robin (George) Roulett, and Ranay (Robert) Cowie.

He adored his grandchildren, Courtney (Jeffrey) Rericha and Grant (Kelcie) Lewis, and great-grandchildren Elijah, Jacob, Grace Rericha and Presley Lewis.

He also leaves behind special nieces and nephew: Debbie, Michele and Michael, along with a host of other relatives and wonderful friends. We will miss his orneriness, teasing, compassion and legendary storytelling.

The family would like express heartfelt gratitude to Bob’s caregivers Sam, Christine, Angie, Darren, Nurse Melissa and the entire staff at Summa Hospice. You all treated Dad like he was your own.

Calling hours will held at Newcomer Funeral Home (131 N. Canton Rd. 44305) on Tuesday, May 26 from 5:00-8:00 PM.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Visitation of Mary Church (55 Broad St. Akron, OH 44305 Wednesday, May 27 at 11:00AM Former student, Father Norm Douglas will be officiating. Interment will be immediately following at Holy Cross Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his name can be made to the Ronald McDonald House of Akron (141 W. State St. Akron, OH 44302) or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (501St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105).