Robert "Bob" L. Trask's Obituary
Robert “Bob” L. Trask, 79, of Strongsville, Ohio, passed away on July 1, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family and the faith that guided his life. Born on January 25, 1947, in Cleveland, he lived a life marked by devotion, kindness, and steady purpose. Bob was a loving, faith-filled man whose heart was open to everyone he met, and he will be remembered for the warmth, patience, and generosity that defined him.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Matthew and Melvina (Zambo) Trask. He is survived by his wife of almost 56 years, Linda Trask, the great love of his life and his constant companion through every season. He also leaves behind his children, Robert Sanjay Trask and Julia Sujata (Patrick Michael) Whalen, and his beloved grandchildren, Ari (9), Annie (6), and Jonah (4) Whalen, who brought him immeasurable joy. Bob cherished his family deeply and was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather whose presence made every gathering brighter.
A proud Cleveland native, Bob earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from Cleveland State University and devoted his career to the Cleveland Public School District for 30 years. For 16 of those years, he served as principal of Benjamin Franklin Elementary School, where he was admired by students, staff, and families alike. His office, decorated with Mickey Mouse themes, reflected the joy and friendliness he brought to his work each day. He was honored with the Jennings Award, a recognition of the excellence and care he brought to education and leadership.
Bob was more than an educator. He was a mentor, a guide, and a steady source of encouragement to many. He had a gift for making people feel seen and valued, and he never knew a stranger. Within minutes of meeting him, one often felt as though a friendship had already begun. His patience and gentle spirit made him beloved by all who knew him, and his influence reached far beyond the classroom and school office.
Faith was central to Bob’s life. He was a devout Catholic and a dedicated member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, where he found strength, fellowship, and purpose. He lived his Christian faith through service, humility, and compassion, and he carried those values into every part of his life. Bob and Linda also gave generously of their time as volunteers with the Ronald McDonald Family Room at Cleveland Clinic Main Campus for 10 years, offering comfort and support to families during difficult times. Following his liver transplant 19 years ago, Bob became a mentor to other transplant recipients at Cleveland Clinic, and was always sharing his story with honesty, gratitude, and hope with anyone who would listen.
Bob enjoyed the simple pleasures that made life rich. He loved Ohio State Football and Cleveland sports teams, especially the Guardians, and followed them with loyal enthusiasm. He took great pride in his garden, where he grew vegetables and potted plants with care and patience. He adored Disney and was an avid collector of all things Disney, having visited Disney World at least 85 times, along with Disneyland in Paris and California. He also enjoyed lunch with his buddies from St. Ignatius, browsing antique markets and flea markets, and traveling with Linda to Fort Myers and Sanibel Island in Florida, Toronto, Canada, and Niagara-on-the-Lake. He was a reluctant but ever so loving pet parent, and those who knew him understood that his affection extended to every corner of his life.
Bob Trask was a good man with a heart of gold. He will be remembered for his loving nature, his faith, his devotion to family, as an avid Disney enthusiast, and the quiet strength with which he lived each day. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the students he guided, the family he treasured, and the countless friends he made along the way.
Services for Bob will take place on Monday, July 6, 2026. Calling hours will be from 10 - 11:30 AM at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Strongsville, with a funeral Mass to begin at 11:30 AM. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Brook Park.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Holy Family Home Health Care & Hospice, who took great care of Bob and his family during this difficult time.
Checks can be made out to Holy Family Hospice, and mailed to 6707 State Road, Parma, OH 44134, Attn: Business Office. Donation should be stated "in honor of Robert Trask."
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