Robert "Bob" LeFever

Robert LeFever passed away Monday February 8, 2021 (2/8/21 adds up to his favorite number 13!) at the age of 66.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his beloved daughter, Heather Brown.  He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Julie; sons, Matthew (Kristin), Andrew, and Jamie (Tracy); and grandchildren, Meriki, Isaac, Holden, and Hammond. Bob is also survived by loving siblings Kitty and Art, and many nieces and nephews. He shared a special bond and birthday with his niece, Emily Marchetti. He also loved his dog BoBo and Grandog Sawyer, spoiling them every chance he got. He could often be spotted around town toting them in his red convertible (yes, with the top down!).

Bob relished entertaining. It was never too cold to grill (or for shorts) and Bob was the ultimate host. He loved sitting by the fire conversating, cooking one of his many specialties and was always ready for a hug or kiss on the cheek even with a pickletini in his hand.

The love of Bob’s life was his wife Julie.  He would never hesitate to drop everything to be of help, whether they were planting a garden, building a fence or a she-shed, or just running whatever crazy errands their beautiful life together called for that day. He lived to be there for her.

Bob accomplished his lifelong goal of opening his own restaurant in 1998 “LeFever’s River Grille” in Cuyahoga Falls. Through his passion for his dream and love of the people, Bob fostered a mutual love and respect between the staff and regulars that is still alive nearly twenty years later, with fond memories and favorite LeFever’s recipes.

Bob retired from the hospitality industry in 2018, leaving the career that he loved. Hospitality extended beyond the restaurant end of the business; it meant taking care of people. His office door was always open. Whether you were an employee, member at one of the country clubs he managed, or one of his children, he welcomed you with the same open arms ready to help you conquer any obstacle or show you why his way was the right way. He was a mentor to many future hospitality professionals; guiding them towards a rewarding career doing what he loved.

In retirement Bob enjoyed slinging paint at the Wadsworth Home Depot.  He loved his coworkers and being able to be a “bartender” serving paint instead of drinks.  

In the words of a great man “Hooty Hoot!”

The family would like to thank all amazing nurses and doctors at Summa Barberton and Parkview Pavilion for their kindness, care and compassion.

Due to COVID, a private service for the family will take place. A celebration party worthy of the “greatest host ever” will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Soup for the Soul Program @ The Shaw JCC, 750 White Pond Dr., Akron, OH 44320 or at https://shawjcc.org/give-soup-soul.

Services in care of The Billow Funeral Homes and Crematory, Fairlawn Chapel, 85 N. Miller Road  Akron, OH  44333.