Robert John Lewis, Sr., 80, of Lake Road West died Sunday, December 7, 2008 at his home.

Mr. Lewis was born in Boston, MA on September 29, 1928, the son of Robert Lewis and Josephine (Leary) Lewis.

After graduating from South Boston Public High School he went on to earn a Masters Degree in Business from Delaware State University, graduating first in his class at the age of 51. Mr. Lewis retired on September 16, 1988 as a Sergeant Major from the United States Army National Guard with over 29 years military service. He served in the occupation of Japan and combat duty in Korea. He was a World War II veteran and a veteran of the Korean Conflict. He was an executive Kraft General Foods as a cocoa bean buyer, where he later retired.

Mr. Lewis was a member of Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church, Ashtabula. He enjoyed participating in marathons, playing golf and tennis, and he enjoyed going to the gym. He had a fierce loyalty to the Boston Red Sox. His life revolved around his family, especially his wonderful grandchildren. Mr. Lewis will be remembered as a wonderful family man, great provider, and provided wisdom and encouragement for those he loved. To keep himself active Mr. Lewis did the New York Times Crossword Puzzles on a daily basis and he enjoyed watching Seinfeld.

He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years Ruth (Mahony) Lewis; their six children: Susan (John) Johnson of Hampton, VA, Robert (Libby) Lewis, Jr. of Colorado Springs, CO, Diane (Frank) Cullen of Virginia Beach, VA, Karen (Ronnie) Fortson of Nicholson, GA, Marianne (Jimmie) Frye of Ashtabula, OH, and James (Diana) Lewis of Dover, DE; ten grandchildren, Daniel, Christine, Kevin, Kellye, Jimmie, Megan, Jeffrey, T.J., Joshua, and Jacob; two great-grandchildren; and his sister, Rita Hickey of Boston, MA.

Mr. Lewis was preceded in death by his two brothers, Al and Arthur Lewis; two sisters, Mary Byrnes and Ruth Dacko; and his parents.

Full military honors will be held Thursday, December 11, 2008 at 11:15 AM at the Zaback-Ducro Funeral Home, 500 West Prospect Road, Ashtabula with a Memorial Mass to follow at 12 Noon at St. Joseph Church, 3330 Lake Avenue, Ashtabula. Fr. Philip Miller will preside.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Western Reserve, 1166 Lake Avenue, Ashtabula, OH 44004

Zaback-Ducro Funeral Home, 500 West Prospect Road, Ashtabula is in charge of arrangements. www.ducro.com