Robert L. Fondessy, 81 years old, died Wednesday, March 24, 2009, at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami after suffering a brain aneurism. Though Mr. Fondessy in recent years was a resident of Miami, his loyalty to Oregon, OH was unfaltering and he returned each summer to his home on Lilias Drive to resume an ongoing interest and enthusiasm for the city he helped to found. His project for the summer of 2009 was to compile his records and memories of the history of Oregon into a book. As one of the three founders of Oregon in 1957, Mr. Fondessy was recognized at the city's 50th anniversary in 2007 and served as the marshal in the celebration parade. His pride and continued interest in the community was reflected warmly in a Letter to the Editor he wrote following the anniversary; "It has been a wonderful fulfillment of my dreams to see our beautiful city develop with progress and I view with pride the fantastic school system of Oregon and Jerusalem. I hope and pray for further progress wherein we put a great deal of sincere effort in the selection of top leadership to sustain such progress. I am proud of what we did, but much effort must be made towards our future progress." Mr. Fondessy's strong work ethic didn't allow for much travel until recently when he and his partner, Carlos Rendon, enjoyed world travels to Europe, Australia, and to India, where he renewed a longtime friendship with his missionary friend, Isaac, and his family. He was born July 6, 1927 in Curtice, Ohio, the eldest son of Edna and Walter Fondessy of Clay Center, Ohio. After serving in the U.S. Navy in 1945, Mr. Fondessy worked at Sun Oil Co., and soon showed his leadership ability. He was a charter member and founder of the Sun Oil Credit Union and was president of the union at Sun Oil. In 1954 Fondessy Enterprises, a waste management company was founded, with Mr. Fondessy serving as its president followed by two other companies based in Oregon. Ace Oil was founded in 1964 and Jeffers Crane Service in 1970. He was a longtime member and devoted philanthropic supporter of St. John's Church of Christ in Genoa and of the East Toledo YMCA and the historic Branville School on Grasser Street. He was also a member of the Dunberger VFW Post, the Toledo Club, the Toledo Museum of Art, and the Devils Lake Yacht Club. He is survived by brothers, Roland, Naples, FL, and Richard (Brenda), Curtice, OH; his partner, Carlos Rendon of Miami, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents. Visitation will be held at Eggleston Meinert Pavley Funeral Home Oregon Chapel, 440 S. Coy Road on Sunday from 2-9 p.m. Funeral Services will be held in St. John's United Church of Christ, 1213 Washington St., Genoa, Ohio on Monday at 11:00 a.m. and where the family will greet friends one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow in Clay Township Cemetery. Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy in Bob's memory are asked to consider St. John's United Church of Christ, Genoa. Visitation: Sunday, 2:00 - 9:00 p.m. Services: Monday, 11:00 a.m. at St. John United Church of Christ Interment: Clay Township Cemetery