Robert D. “Bob” Graf, 75, of Mentor, passed away peacefully with his Valentine by his side Feb. 14, 2022.
He was born March 11, 1946, in East Cleveland.
Bob was a standout athlete at Willoughby South High School and enjoyed nearly every sport, especially softball and bowling. Bob was also a well-known high school football referee, officiating generations of gridiron stars. In fact, it was rumored that he carried multiple flags on the football field to ensure that nobody felt left out when he called penalties. Bob served in the United States Marine Corps before entering the fire service.
Bob served the City of Mentor and then the Willoughby Fire Department from 1971-1994, retiring as a Lieutenant. Lt. Graf was a charter member of Willoughby Professional Firefighters, IAFF Local 2291. After his years of firefighting, Bob had worked at Classic BMW and also began a second career as a school bus driver for the Willoughby-Eastlake City School District. He was easily recognized and remembered by his booming voice and boisterous laugh.
Bob is survived by his wife, Anna; children, Shelley (Michael) Horvath and Robert Jr. (Chris); grandchildren, Bobby, Nick, Kyle, Cole, Jacob, Kyliee and Landon; stepchildren, Amy Gromosky and Lawrence (Georgina) Gromosky; sister-in-law, Susan Graf; and numerous relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert F. and Adele (nee Musser) Graf; and brother, Donald Graf.
Family will receive friends from 3 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 20, at McMahon-Coyne-Vitantonio Funeral Home, 38001 Euclid Ave., Willoughby, with a Firefighter Memorial Service at 7 p.m. A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 21. Burial will follow at Willoughby Memorial Gardens.
To leave condolences for the family or order flowers, visit www.MCVfuneralhomes.com.