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Robert James Gustafson II
1957-2023
Negley - Robert James Gustafson II, 65, died after a long illness Monday, June 5, 2023, surrounded by family.
Rob was born March 27, 1957 to Maryann (Bryson) and "Bob" Gustafson I of Poland, Ohio. He graduated from Western Reserve High School in 1975, where he was captain of the football team. He then attended Milwaukee School of Engineering.
He met his wife, Gloria Jean Robinson, while driving a delivery route in Fallston, Pennsylvania. They married on March 1, 1980 at Church of the Friendly Bells in Youngstown and began country living in Elkton, Ohio with their daughters. He said he knew early on that he wanted a "family and a farm."
Rob began a 41-year career in hydraulics and spent nearly all his work life running the shop at R&M Fluid Power Inc. As co-owner and plant manager, he built the company a reputation for first-class quality and innovation.
He loved his dogs and tinkering in his garage. Rob was always working on a new project. He passed countless hours cutting up trees, gardening and fixing equipment. He had built dune buggies from VW parts, refurbished his 1980 CJ-7 Jeep, and partly restored a Super Beetle. He made a heavy-duty log splitter out of scrap parts and an old tie rod cylinder.
Rob is preceded in death by his mother; father; infant siblings, Johnathan Gustafson and Baby Gustafson; and brother-in-law, Ed Kenetz.
Surviving family include his wife, Gloria Jean; daughters, Amanda Belle (Jamie) Smith and Melody Ann Gustafson (Robert Peters); grandsons, Beau James Smith and Ty James Smith; granddaughters, Kaitlynn Collins (Sean) and Allyson Gale Smith; sisters, Jennifer Lee Kenetz (Ed) and Melissa Ann Ricciardi (Terry); and many other nieces, nephews, in-laws and cousins.
Following Rob's cremation will be burial in Firestone Park & Cemetery. No funeral services are planned at this time. The family will announce a gathering at a later date.
Please visit www.oakmeadowcremation.com to send condolences to the family.
6/10/23