Robert "Bobby" Vasil

Robert M. Vasil, 76, of Bucyrus passed away on Wednesday November 1, 2023 at The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center following a brief illness.  Bob was born March 2, 1947 in Cleveland, Ohio to the late Nicholas and Helen (Wozniak) Vasil.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother Nicholas Vasil.

Bob attended Holy Trinity School and graduated from Bucyrus High School in 1965.  He attended Miami University and graduated from Tiffin University in 1971 where he was a member of the Sigma Omega Sigma fraternity.  After graduation Bob began working with his father at the Kaynee Sewing Factory in Bucyrus until purchasing the Friendly Novelty Company in the late 1970’s. He worked tirelessly as a small business owner until retirement where he enjoyed spending winters in New Port Richey, Florida.

Bob was passionate about supporting his hometown of Bucyrus. For twenty years he served on the Investment Committee of the Community Foundation for Crawford County. He was also a strong supporter of the Crawford County Community Concert Association and Bucyrus Public Library, a lifetime member of the Bucyrus Elks Lodge #156 and a longtime member of the Bucyrus Country Club.  

An avid fan of the Cleveland Indians and Cleveland Browns, Bob spent many days in his beloved city of Cleveland cheering on his teams with friends and family.  In his later years he enjoyed sailing with friends on Lake Erie on his catamaran, Battle Cat, and was a member of the Sandusky Sailing Club.  He enjoyed weekly bridge games with his Gulf Harbors Florida community as well as in Bucyrus and he never missed dinner with his cherished Tuesday Group in Bucyrus. Most of all, he was a proud “Papa” and enjoyed trips to visit his grandchildren and following their sporting events and adventures. He made countless memories with his family. From his Christmas Eve tradition with his grandkids throwing nuts at each other (a Ukrainian tradition), family trips to NCAA Basketball tournaments, or taking his grandkids to a fancy restaurant where they could show off their good manners, Bob loved being with his family. Whether he knew you forever or just met you, Bob would always offer a friendly smile and strike up a conversation. He was an amazing person, who was loved and adored and he will be missed.

Bob is survived by daughter Jaime (Nathan) Winkelfoos of Alexandria VA; son Mike (Lisa) Vasil of Carlsbad, CA; grandchildren Sophia Vasil, Connor Winkelfoos, Bennett Winkelfoos and Wyatt Winkelfoos; sister Kathleen (Charles) Kirchberg of Bucyrus; sister-in-law Peg Vasil of Bucyrus; as well as nieces and nephews Kimberly (Dale) Vasil Cheney, Nicholas (Jennifer) Vasil, PJ Fleck, and Casey (Lindsey) Kirchberg. 

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday November 9, 2023 at 4:00 pm in the Munz-Pirnstill Funeral Home with Father Paul Fahrbach officiating.  The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 2:00 pm until the time of the service.  Following the service the family has invited family and friends to gather for a Celebration of Life at The Bucyrus Elks Lodge, 309 E Mansfield St.

Memorial Contributions may be made to The Community Foundation for Crawford County or Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Bucyrus, Ohio and expressions of sympathy can be left at www.munzpirnstill.com.