Robert Blaine Greathouse

Robert Blaine Greathouse, age 95, passed away on March 9, 2026, following a short illness.

Born in Akron, Ohio, Bob attended East High School and later graduated from Sharon Center High School. He proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1950 to 1954, stationed in Okinawa during the Korean Conflict. He built a career as an electrical engineer and retired from Lucas Aerospace after many years of dedicated service. A lifelong learner with a passion for technology and mathematics, he achieved a remarkable milestone at age 93 when he became the oldest graduate in the history of the University of Akron, earning an Associate of Technical Study degree in August 2023.

Faith and community were important parts of Bob’s life. A devoted member of St. Sebastian Parish, he participated in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, served as an usher and lector, and generously volunteered at St. Sebastian Parish, Walsh Jesuit High School, and Our Lady of the Elms High School, often encouraged by his wife Mickie. He lived most of his life in the Akron and Barberton areas and most recently resided at The Village of St. Edward in Green. He will be fondly remembered for his gift for storytelling, his love of fishing, cheering on Walsh Jesuit athletic teams, and his enthusiasm for computers, technology, and math. Family members often joked that he “survived” raising seven children. In recent years at St. Edward, he was affectionately known as the music maestro at dinner, happily selecting and sharing songs for fellow residents.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Vesta Greathouse; his first love, Rose Marie Greathouse; his second wife, Shirley Johnson Greathouse; and his sons, Robert Paul Greathouse and Richard Kevin Greathouse. Bob is survived by his children, Mary Batyko (Rick), Timothy (Karen), Patrick (Michelle), Jane Rotsching (Chris), and Hugh (Anne); 12 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; and his sisters-in-law Patricia Testa and Marcia Oliver. He is also fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews.

Bob’s long life was marked by faith, curiosity, humor, and devotion to family—qualities that will be remembered and cherished by all who knew him.