ROBERT "BOB" PAUL MOTTICE

Robert Paul “Bob” Mottice, a beloved father, brother, teacher, coach, and friend, peacefully passed away on May 26, at the age of 84.

Born in Akron, Ohio, Bob was an identical twin and son of Virginia Kelley and Marion E. “Jeff” Mottice. From an early age, Bob displayed remarkable kindness, a strong work ethic, and a competitive nature that would shape his future. He and his brother (and best friend) Jim grew up in Portage Lakes and attended Coventry High School.

A gifted athlete, Bob quickly found success in sports, excelling in football, basketball, baseball, and track, earning all-conference honors in football and baseball. He served as President of the student body and was inducted into the Coventry High School Hall of Fame.

Bob continued his academic and athletic pursuits at Hiram College. Active in all four sports, he favored football; playing quarterback and receiving leadership and MVP honors. He was a member of ΚΣΠ, served as Junior class president, and was inducted into the Hiram College Athletic Hall of Fame.

Bob enthusiastically pursued his calling in education and spent 35 years in Hudson Schools, serving as principal, coach, and to many, a “favorite” teacher. He found that teaching – where his love for students and the potential for impact was greatest – was his true passion, and he taught 8th grade American History for 25 years. “Coach Mo” also coached football, basketball, and golf, and on Friday nights you could hear him as the Voice of the Explorers at home football games. Hudson City Schools Foundation honored Bob in 2017 by inducting him into the Hudson Distinguished Hall of Fame.

Bob was a beloved fixture in the Hudson community. “A man with no enemies,” he easily made friends wherever he went. You could count on him to take full advantage of a pun or share a joke, just to make you smile or connect with you in some way. He also found tremendous joy in helping others. Whether it was in the classroom, on the field, or around the dinner or poker tables, he was always available to give advice, pass on wisdom, or capitalize on a teachable moment.

Bob also loved to golf and would play as often as his schedule (and his back) would allow. He found a great intersect of interests in the Hudson Open Golf Outing sponsoring the Hudson Public Schools Endowment Fund where he was a board member for 27 years.

Upon retiring from teaching, Bob sold real estate full time, further extending his impact in Hudson and Stow, and leaving an indelible mark at his final and favorite agency, Howard Hanna.

Bob was fortunate to have two great loves in his life. He was married to his first wife, Gretchen, for 28 years and together they raised three daughters in Stow. His second wife, Marlene, was a fellow teacher at Hudson and they happily enjoyed their years into retirement. During the last decade, Bob remained a devoted caregiver to Marlene. He also served as an usher at the Chapel in Akron, where they attended for 20 years.

Preceded in death by his parents, wife Marlene, and granddaughter Shannon Wilkes, Bob is survived by twin brother Jim (Barb), Daughters Gail (Scott) Wilkes, Kelley (Chris) Jones, and Melissa (Terry) Murray, bonus children Chip (Kelly) Hallstein, and Heidi (Olivia) Debro-Hallstein, eight grandchildren, and six great grandchildren.

Given his love for life and his dedication to others, we invite friends and the community to join his family in celebrating Bob’s legacy on Wednesday, June 14, from 4 -7p.m. at Highfields Event Center on 1940 Georgetown Road, Hudson, OH 44236. A short service will begin at 4 p.m., followed by a time to share stories and fond memories. Light fare will be served.

The family would like to gratefully acknowledge the support and help over the years from his lifelong friends and neighbors, Vitalia, and the Hospice of Western Reserve. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hudson Public Schools Endowment Memorial & Tribute Fund, c/o Akron Community Foundation, 345 W. Cedar Street, Akron, OH 44307.

Care for Bob was entrusted to Carlson Funeral Homes & Cremation Services 3477 Medina Road, Medina, Ohio 44256. A special memory or message may be left for the family at www.carlsonfuneralhomes.com