Robert Pawlak

Robert "Bob" "Bobby" Pawlak, age 88, passed away peacefully on May 2, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of athletic excellence, dedication to education, and a lifelong love of sports.

Born on November 3, 1937, in Cleveland, Ohio, Bob was a natural athlete whose passion and determination shaped both his life and the lives of those around him. He attended the University of Toledo, where he excelled on the basketball court as a point guard from 1958 to 1961. A three-time letter winner, he helped lead the Rockets to second-place finishes in the Mid-American Conference during both his junior and senior seasons. His talents extended beyond basketball, as he also lettered in baseball in 1960.

Following graduation, Bob was drafted by the Cleveland Pipers of the American Basketball Association. His love of the game carried him even further, as he spent two seasons traveling and playing alongside the Harlem Globetrotters as a member of their longtime rival team, the Washington Generals.

Bob's passion for athletics extended far beyond his own playing career. He devoted 38 years to teaching and coaching, shaping generations of young athletes with his knowledge, discipline, and encouragement. He began his coaching career at Holy Name and Parma High Schools, later serving as Athletic Director at Start High School for seven years, where he also coached basketball for four years and led the program to its first city championship. He continued his coaching career at Woodward High School and went on to spend ten years at Notre Dame Academy, where he guided his teams to four championships. His impact on students and athletes was profound and lasting.

Never one to slow down, Bob also embraced distance running, completing 13 marathons over the years, including the prestigious Boston Marathon three times, a testament to his endurance. He retired his running shoes at the age of 84.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to athletics, Bob was inducted into the University of Toledo Athletic Hall of Fame in 2013, an honor that reflected both his talent and his dedication to the sport.

Outside of athletics, Bob found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He was a self-proclaimed "sun worshipper" who loved being outdoors, whether tending to his yard, relaxing on the beaches of Naples, Florida, or taking his grand dog, Laney for a walk. He was an avid reader and a devoted fan of the Cleveland Indians, Cleveland Browns, Boston Celtics, and Ohio State Buckeyes, who he enthusiastically cheered on.

Bob is survived by his wife, Barb Pawlak; daughters, Amy (Edward) Hannaford and Abby (Ben) Langenderfer; grand dog, Laney; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Rose Pawlak; and brother, Tom Pawlak.

Family and friends may visit Wednesday, May 6, 2026 from 3-8 pm at Walker Funeral Home, 5155 W. Sylvania Ave, with a scripture service at 7 pm. The Funeral Mass will be Thursday, May 7, 2026, at 11 am at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church.

Memorial donations may be given to Holy Name High School in Memory of Coach Robert Pawlak, Mercy Health- St. Anne Wound Care Center, Hospice of Northwest Ohio, Ebeid Center.