Robert Allen Boles
BAINBRIDGE TWP. – Robert Allen Boles, 76, of Bainbridge Township, died Nov. 24, 2021, at Hillcrest Hospital in Mayfield Heights.
The family is planning a private burial service.
In lieu of flowers to honor Robert’s memory, please consider donating to or volunteering at your local food pantry.
Robert (Bob) was born Oct. 26, 1945, in Sharon, Pa., to John and Helen (nee Barr) Boles. He married Stephanie Reeve Boles, of Chagrin Falls, on April 11, 2004.
Bob’s calling was music. At an early age he learned to play guitar while counseling at a special needs children’s camp. In high school, he played saxophone, guitar and sang with rock bands at sock hops in the Shenango Valley in Pennsylvania.
At only 17 years old, he got his first church choir directing job. While attending Youngstown College in 1968, he toured with the Dana Madrigal Singers, including a tour with the USO. While in college he conducted church and student choirs.
After graduating with a BA in music education from the Dana School of Music, he turned his music ability into a career from 1972-1998, first as a music teacher at Mecca and Burton school districts in Ohio, and as music teacher and choir director at Kenston school district in Ohio, where he spent the majority of his career.
He was a member of many vocal and instrumental ensembles throughout his lifetime and was actively involved in performing as a soloist, director and instrumental musician until his death.
He served as church choir director for Auburn Community Church among other churches in Northeast Ohio since the 1980s. He was a director and soloist for Good Tidings Benefit Choir to benefit Geauga Hunger Task Force.
In addition to teaching music, Bob taught computers to high school and adult education students, and became the first Technology Coordinator for the Kenston school district.
Aside from music, technology and woodworking were his passions. He was endlessly curious about new gadgets and tools. He was always making something, whether it was with a computer or a lathe. He turned these talents into side businesses which included building decks, running spreadsheet software for local businesses, building websites and making anything from wood pens to bowls to cutting boards and furniture.
Bob believed in helping people. He had actively volunteered at Burton Food Pantry since 2015. He was usually seen telling jokes and loved bad puns.
Bob is survived by wife, Stephanie; daughter, Jane DiGiallorenzo; son, Robert Allen Boles Jr.; and brother, Raymond Boles.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Donna Jean Boles.
