Robert Bruce Freshley passed away peacefully June 28, 2015 at the home of his daughter and son-in-law where he and his wife Mary had lived since December 2014. He had been in and out of the hospital with serious illnesses since March 27. It was his wish to return home to be in familiar surroundings with family.

Bob was born October 3, 1929, to Perry William (1890-1972) and Pearle (Slabaugh) (1891-1985) Freshley in Marlboro (Stark County), Ohio. He was a 1947 graduate of Marlboro High School and in 1951, graduated from Mount Union College where he was a member of the Phi Kappa Tau fraternity. On November 24, 1951, he married Mary Emeline Decker and is survived by his wife, daughter Kimberly K. Carlson (David) of Medina and granddaughters Abigail Frech (Josh Maynard) of Lodi; Catherine (Joseph D. Fye) of Findlay; and Christine Carlson of Kent as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins residing in various states.

After college, Bob joined his father at Freshley Farm Equipment in Alliance, Ohio, representing International Harvester. In 1955, he joined United Co-Operatives Inc., as a product manager in lawn and garden equipment. The family moved from Alliance to Wadsworth in 1966 when he joined Sterling Associates Inc. and then worked for and retired from Chagrin Valley Marketing.

He supported his fraternity for several years, serving on the alumni committee and the refurbishing of the fraternity house on campus. Bob was an active member of the Wadsworth United Methodist Church in the Asbury class; he served the church as an usher, chairman of the trustees’ administration board and as a member of the finance planned giving committee. An avid gardener and car enthusiast upon retirement, he pursued further piano instruction, playing gathering music prior to church services and in local retirement homes. His music was enjoyed by all.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Kathleen Baum and her husband Kenneth; Margaret Jean Couchie and her husband Wilbur; and several nieces and nephews. He will be sorely missed by his family and friends but will be remembered for his music, his conversation and his humor but most of all his giving personality and staunch support of family.

The family will receive friends Wednesday July 1, from 6-8pm at the Hilliard Rospert Funeral Home 174 N. Lyman St Wadsworth, Ohio. Funeral service will be conducted Thursday July 2, 2015 at 10am at the Wadsworth United Methodist Church, 195 Broad Street Wadsworth, Ohio. Interment will be at the Marlboro Cemetery.