Robert P. Urbanowicz, of Walbridge died unexpectedly Wednesday, November 28, 2007 at St. Vincents Medical Center at the age of 65. He was born in Toledo, Ohio on March 1, 1942 to Peter and Sophie (Wisniewski) Urbanowicz.
He was previously the owner of Merco Foods, in Toledo, Ohio, and was proud to be the first distributor of Tony Packos and Gatorade products in the Toledo area. Later in 1995, he and his wife Carolyn founded Carolyns Personalized Catering in Millbury, Ohio, where he was the heart of the business, cherishing his employees, customers and anyone who passed through the door. Bob and Carolyn, along with Mary and Kevin Wiezbenski opened the doors of Sunrise Park and Banquet Center in 1998 where he enjoyed all of our guests.
Bob was a Central Catholic High School graduate, where he was an outstanding All-State baseball player drafted by the Milwaukee Braves in 1962. He served in the Ohio National Guard from 1964 to 1970 where he was a cook. He also served as a lay minister at his parish, St. Jeromes in Walbridge.
Bob will be remembered for his endless energy, positive attitude and his unique ability to entertain everyone. He never left anywhere as a stranger to those around him.
In his time away from the businesses, he enjoyed taking care of the summer cottage at Round Lake, where he would play cards and take pontoon rides with his family and friends. He loved spending time with his 10 grandchildren, playing ball with them, watching sporting events, and taking them to fun places like Disney World, COSI, Great Wolf Lodge and the African Safari. He was also an avid Cleveland Indians fan, and never missed listening to a game on the radio.
Bob was a loving husband to his wife Carolyn of 43 years, raising their three boys together. They spent their time working together in the businesses they owned, visiting their children, traveling to wonderful places, and keeping close friends.
Bob is survived by his loving wife Carolyn (Houghtell), affectionately known as "Worthy"; sons Rob (Sharon), Rick (Becky), and Randy; step-brother Bernard; and grandchildren Nathan, Lauren, Beth, Amy, Kyle, Michelle, Craig, Evan, Erin, and Madison.
Visitation will be held at the Eggleston Meinert Pavley Funeral Home Millbury Chapel, 1111 Woodville Road, Millbury on Saturday from 4-8 p.m. and Sunday from 2-7 p.m. The recitation of the Rosary will be held Sunday at 6:00 p.m by the Knights of Columbus, St. Jerome Council. Funeral Services will begin in the funeral home on Monday at 10:15 a.m. and proceed to St. Jerome Catholic Church, 300 Warner Street, Walbridge for Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m.. Interment will follow in Lake Township Cemetery. Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy in Bob's memory are asked to consider St. Jerome Catholic Church Endowment Fund or Hospice of Northwest Ohio.