Robert H. Walsh's Obituary
Robert H. Walsh, age 87, of Lorain County, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 28, 2025. Born on September 1, 1937, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Robert lived a life dedicated to education, athletics, and community service.
A 1955 graduate of North Catholic High School, Robert went on to earn his Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Francis College in 1959 and later received his Master's Degree in Education from Bowling Green State University in 1978. His nearly six-decade career in education left a profound impact on countless students, athletes, and fellow educators.
Robert began teaching and coaching at Clearview High School in 1959, where he served until 1982. He went on to serve at Oberlin High School (1982–1993), Vermilion High School (1993–1999), Elyria Catholic High School (1999–2005), and Elyria High School (2005–2013). In 2013, he returned to Clearview High School, where his career began. Though he retired from teaching in 2008, his love for coaching endured as he continued to mentor young athletes.
Throughout his career, Robert was an active and respected member of numerous professional organizations, including the National Education Association, Ohio Education Association, and the Ohio High School Basketball Coaches Association, where he served as the District 3 Director. He was also the founder and longtime officer of the Lorain County Basketball Coaches Association. Beyond education, he was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus Council #637 in Lorain and a devoted member of the Sheffield Lions Club from 1965 until its dissolution in 2005.
Robert's contributions to athletics were widely recognized. He was inducted into the Ohio High School Coaches Hall of Fame (2007), Lorain Sports Hall of Fame (1988), Elyria Sports Hall of Fame (2011), Lorain County Boys Basketball Hall of Fame (2012), and the Lorain County Girls Basketball Hall of Fame (2013). He also led two teams to the state basketball championships: Clearview High School in 1974 and Oberlin High School in 1986.
Beyond his many professional accomplishments, Robert found his greatest joy in coaching all sports, hitting the golf course, cheering on the Pittsburg Steelers, and spending quality time with his grandchildren.
He is survived by his loving children, Robert M. (Kristin) Walsh and Kristen (Michael) Piedmonte; cherished grandchildren, Michael (Kayla) Piedmonte, Mickenzie Piedmonte, Ryan Walsh, Maeve Walsh, and Liam Walsh; great-grandson, Cohen Piedmonte; and extended family, Matt (Deirdre) Piedmonte, Mandy (Justin) Hackett, Joe (Lydiana) Piedmonte; and their children, Paige, Chase, Aidan, Collin, Nate, and Lily.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 52 years, Maureen J. Walsh; his granddaughter, LB Walsh; his parents, John Briley and Elizabeth Walsh Sr.; and his siblings, John Briley Walsh Jr., Elizabeth Zehr Warren, and Anne O’Hara Frankhauser.
Robert H. Walsh leaves behind a legacy of leadership, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to others. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by the many lives he touched.
The family will receive friends on Monday, July 7, 2025 from 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. in the Dovin and Reber Jones Funeral & Cremation Center, 1110 Cooper Foster Park Road, Amherst. The Lorain Sports Hall of Fame will be conducting a service at 5:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, July 8th at 11:00 a.m. in the funeral center. Interment will follow at Ridge Hill Memorial Park. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.dovinreberjones.com
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