Robert J. Huntley

Robert J. "Bob" Huntley 90, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 18, holding the hand of his beloved wife, Anita, with whom he had shared 33 beautiful years. Those who knew Bob knew he lived a life defined by faith, service, and deep love for his family.

Bob was born July 2, 1936, in a farmhouse in Hiram Township. Growing up on a farm, Bob learned to love the outdoors and God's creation. He felt farm work taught him the importance of hard work and tenacity which enabled him to succeed in later life. Bob graduated from James A. Garfield High School in 1954 where he excelled in athletics and student government and learned the value of teamwork. His high school aim was to be a coach - and so he was - to many.

At the urging of his high school football coach, Bob enrolled in Wheaton College in the fall of 1955 graduating in 1959 as part of the ROTC program. After completing officer training at Fort Benning, GA, Bob was given his first opportunity at coaching, receiving orders in 1960 to teach tennis at West Point. Bob remained in service to our country serving as a captain in the National Guard for seven years.

Bob began his teaching and administrative career in 1963 at Nelson Elementary where he was appointed teaching principal, followed by assistant principal in 1965 at Ravenna, to Principal at Mayfield Road Elementary in 1967, retiring in 1996 as principal of Millridge Elementary School in Mayfield heights.

Bob's life of service in education and the military was dedicated to the support of the men in his unit, the faculty and staff of the schools he led, and the young children in the classrooms he served. Bob spent 38 years coaching and mentoring those under his care with the values he learned as a young boy on the farm, the athlete in high school, the army captain at West point.

Then there was Bob's love of family which could be seen whenever he talked about his daughters Leslie and Marilyn from a previous marriage; or, his Tuesday trips with little grandchildren Robert and Catherine Cooper and Amanda Panfil to get Bob's favorite, chocolate ice cream. Most recently he enjoyed his visits with a grown-up Amanda, who affectionally referred to him as Papa T and attending her wedding a little less than 2 years ago.

In February of 1993, Bob and Anita were introduced by a mutual friend through a cross-country skiing date. That first date would lead to many more including tennis matches, downhill skiing, rollerblading, charity-run biking events, and ballroom dancing. They were a perfect fit sharing their love of God, the outdoors, traveling, and adventure. That perfect fit became the perfect union in 1996 when they married. And it was that union that added a whole new dimension to Bob's love of family with the inclusion of several sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, and a slew of nieces and nephews. Through the eyes of his teenage nephews, Bob became the guy to beat.

Whether in one-on-ones in the driveway hoop, pancake eating contests at local breakfast spots, or the most coveted: golf.

Of all the sports and activities that filled Bob's life, Golf was Bob's first love. From the many golf leagues in which he participated, to the countless friendly foursomes, to the outings with his nephews, Bob could be found most days on a golf course walking 18, then driving another 18. His dedication to the sport prompted Anita to surprise Bob with an actual putting green landscaped into their backyard. As a result, the August family golf outing was born and for several years the family began the day at Airport Greens for 9 holes, followed by an amazing cookout at their home, and finished with a no-holes-barred putting competition to end the day. Bob truly loved the game. He loved the connection with the beauty of God's creation, the stillness within himself to master the shot, the exhilaration of the "hole in one." A feat Bob achieved twice.

The dedication and service that Bob displayed throughout his life was a direct result of his deep faith and intense love of God. This is what set Bob apart. All one had to do was look at his tattered, taped, falling apart bible to know how much he loved the Lord. A foundation he learned from his beloved mother. It was a privilege to sit at a dinner table with Bob just to hear him pronounce the most beautiful blessing over those gathered and the food to be shared. Even in Bob's last days, he could be heard quoting John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may attain eternal life." Bob Believed deeply; and now with those friends and family members who have gone before, Bob's getting ready to tee off on the eternal 18!

Mass of Christian Burial Saturday, August 1, 2026 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church 6850 Mayfield Rd. Gates Mills at 10AM. Entombment with Military Honors following at All Souls Cemetery. Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Bob at THE DeJOHN FUNERAL HOME & CELEBRATIONS CENTER OF CHESTERLAND 12811 CHILLICOTHE ROAD (Rt. 306, just south of Mayfield Rd.)  FRIDAY JULY 31 2-7PM.