Robert James Albrich

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Robert James Albrich, age 94, of Riverview, Florida, passed away on February 9th, 2024, after a short illness, at the home of his daughter and son-in-law, Bobbi Jo (Tom) Baclawski, of Riverview. 

Robert was born in Alliance on April 12, 1929, to Grace (Starkey) and Gustav Albrich. After graduating from Marlboro High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served for four  years.  During the Korean War, he was assigned duty on the USS Jarvis.  Upon his discharge, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal and China Service Medal.   After leaving the service, Robert began working for The Ohio Bell Telephone Company as a lineman and installation and repair technician.  He proudly served with Ohio Bell for 30+ years until the Ohio Bell merger with AT&T forced him into retirement at age 55.  Not yet ready for retirement, he used his vast skills and perfectionism to start a very successful business of his own.  Bob’s Telephone Service, which served local businesses and individuals, was run by Robert well into his 80’s. He was a member of American Legion Post 166 for 56 years and a long-time member of the Telephone Pioneers of America.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Herbert G. Wittenbrook; and his loving wife of 57 years, Wanda Mae (Stoudt) Albrich, whom he married on August 3, 1958.  

Surviving  are three daughters,  Lori (Tim) Wilson of Beloit, Rhonda (Frank Vaccaro) Wutrick of Mogadore,  and Bobbi Jo (Tom) Baclawski of Riverview, Florida;   grandchildren,  Kyle Wutrick of Sayville,  NY, Evan Wutrick of Apopka, Florida, and Kelsey (Nathan) Engler of Damascus; and his only  beloved great-grandchild, Hayden Mae Engler of Damascus. 

Robert was a loving husband and father whose family meant everything to him.   The annual family camping trips to Canada were some of his favorite memories.   He made sure all of his girls were fishermen.   He was a man who always had a meticulously manicured lawn, could fix anything, and worked tirelessly his entire life. A lifelong fan of the Cleveland Browns, The Ohio State Buckeyes, and Cleveland Indians, he was hanging on for that elusive Browns’ Super Bowl, however, it was not meant to be. A season ticket holder for many years, he was also a lifelong supporter of the University of Mt. Union football team.  After retirement, he and Wanda loved to travel and took many bus tours.  After moving to Florida for the past couple years of his life, he continued to live life to the fullest.  He rode his red scooter around the lake, visited with neighbors and collected mail, went on charter ocean fishing trips, traveled to many Florida cities, and the biggest highlight - met Donald Trump at Mar-A-Lago.   Robert’s love of animals was also something that he has passed on to his children.  Many animals, both domestic and wild, were rescued by him. He would never pass up an animal in need. 

Visitation will be held at Cassaday-Turkle-Christian Funeral Home in Alliance, Ohio, on Tuesday, February 20th, from 11-1 preceding the funeral service.  Burial will follow the service at Marlboro Cemetery where he will be laid to rest beside his wife, Wanda.