Zabor Funeral Home Inc.
5680 Pearl Road Parma, OH 44129,
between Snow & Ridge Road
HOLMOK, Robert E.

HOLMOK, Robert E.

Robert (Bob) E. HOLMOK, age 84, peacefully entered eternal rest at home, surrounded by his family, on Sunday, July 24th , 2022. Loving and devoted husband of 62 years, he is survived by his wife Virginia E. (Ginny) Holmok (nee Ewolski). Loving father of Cheryl Maloney (Thomas), Susan Franczak (Thomas), Robert (Katherine), and Holly Buenger (Andrew). Proud grandfather of Siobhan, Aisling, Elizabeth, Brianna, Mairead, Jaclyn, Joseph, Bethany, Bennett (deceased), Lindsay, Aubrey, and Robert. Great-Grandfather of 9. Survived by his sister Patricia Waites (Jerry deceased). Preceded in death by his parents, Eddie and Nancy Holmok. US Navy Veteran, Member of the Pipe Fitters Local 120 for over 60 years.

Visitation at the Zabor Funeral Home, 5680 Pearl Rd., Parma, OH 44129 from 3:00pm to 8:00pm on Wednesday, July 27th, 2022. Please meet at church for the Funeral Mass at St. Anthony Of Padua Catholic Church, 6750 State Rd, Parma, OH 44134  at 9:00am on Thursday, July 28th , 2022, followed by Interment at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, Seville, Ohio. Bus transportation for the guests will be provided.  To read more about Bob’s incredible life and to offer condolences visit www.zaborfh.com

Bob was born in 1938 in Cleveland, Ohio, to the late Eddie and Nancy Holmok, and has resided in Parma for over 60 years. He met his lifelong sweetheart Virginia, when she was a mere 13 and he was 16. They had an amazing chemistry and fell deeply in love marrying in 1959. Anyone who knew them through their 62 beautiful years of marriage knew that Bob cherished her so dearly and would do anything for her, and that he was her world. He proudly served in the United States Navy aboard the USS Skywatcher as a 3 rd Class Petty Officer and remained dear friends with his ship mate, Ken Harold (Shorty). In his later years as a proud VET he wore his Navy Veteran hat wherever he went. Bob worked for over 60 years as a pipe fitter, with local 120, he was an extremely hard worker and as foreman demanded the same of those who worked under him, earning him the knick name “Horrible” on the job. Bob was a true Patriarch of the family, protecting and providing for them in countless, selfless ways. He always wanted lots of children, and was the best daddy ever to Cheryl, Susan, Bobby and Holly. They learned to love from this man and his example lives on in their hearts.

He had a larger than life personality; and did absolutely everything in a big way, from cooking a lasagna that was 5 inches deep that could feed the neighborhood, to making Christmas trees through the roof, to his 12 ft deep pool in the back yard, or hoisting two work trailers together with a crane to create an amazing house at the farm. He was multi talented and creative from competitive skating, to painting, and leaded glass work, he could do anything he set his mind to doing and was always up for trying new things. He was a jack of all trades and there was nothing he could not fix or build, and was always the first one to lend a hand to any neighbor in need. Throughout his life he lived with an adventurous spirit. He was an avid sportsman, fishing, hunting moose in Canada, Elk in Colorado and Bear in Maine, and making his own muzzle loader gun (Elvira). He took such joy in spending time on his property (The Farm) in Coshocton where he hunted for deer and turkeys. He welcomed and shared this special retreat with countless friends, and family, making lasting memories.

In most recent years he especially enjoyed going out for breakfast with his friends, a good cup of coffee, having his grass freshly cut, cherry milkshakes, hanging out with the dogs, and sitting by his pool watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren swim and play. As a diehard Browns fan, one of his favorite past times was hanging out with his son and grandson watching the games.

Anyone who had the privilege to know Bob could tell you that he had the largest and most giving heart of anyone you ever met. He had an easy smile and quick joke, a great depth of love, a joyful contentedness, a gentle and yet ferocious strength, and a true gift of communion; being present and sharing the little life moments with those he cared so deeply about. His generosity and love touched so many hearts and lives and extended way beyond just those of his family and friends. His great grandson-in-laws considered him their grandpa too! Bob taught his family how to live and how to love, and the wisdom, tools and lessons learned from his example are too many to number. While he will be sorely missed and leaves behind a hole too large to fathom, his life was a pure gift. We will forever miss him. Eternal Rest, grant unto him, O Lord, and let your perpetual light shine upon him.

                                                               “When I grow too old to dream
                                                                  your love will live in my heart
                                                                        So, kiss me my sweet
                                                                           And so let us part”

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Messages of Condolence

  1. Sincere condolences to Cheryl and the Maloney & Halmok families. We were so sorry to hear of your dad, Robert’s passing. May he rest in peace forever. Big hugs to you all! Robert (RIP) and all of you are in our prayers.

  2. Bob and Ginny started out as customers many years ago at the bakery and have become like family. I will truly miss Bob and send my heartfelt condolences to Ginny and the rest of the family. May he rest in eternal peace. Forever in my heart. Linda

  3. Sincere Sympathy to Cheryl Tom and cousins, also our thoughts are with the Holyoke family at this sad time.
    May Bob rest in peace, and reap the rewards of a life well lived.

  4. My deepest condolences to you and your family, Ginny. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

  5. Ginny and family-
    My deepest sympathy and sending much love and prayers during this difficult time. Remembering Bob with such a kind heart and helping hand…digging my car out of a mound of snow after one of the worst snow storms and then jumping my battery. I was forever grateful! Bob was so blessed to have such a fulfilled life and family. God Bless and may he rest in eternal peace.

  6. My sincerest condolences go out to the entire Holmok family. Mr. Holmok was my second father. He always made me feel like part of the family. There was nothing he could not do or fix, and if need be make it. If there was a book in how to be the best Husband, Father, Grandfather, Mr. Holmok would truly be a FIRST EDITION! I’ve been beyond lucky to know you.

  7. God Bless you and your family at this time. So sorry for your loss.
    Sending prayers and lots of love,
    Marg Fisco and all the Fisco/Tabone cousins xo

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