Robs

Robert “Robs” Tapia, 68, of Genoa, Ohio, died peacefully on October 19, 2023 at Hospice of Northwest Ohio after losing his courageous battle with lung cancer.

He was born in Fremont, Ohio, on November 3, 1954 to Santos and Dolores Tapia. Robert attended The Ohio State University, then moved to Southern California where he lived for 30 years, working for various freight companies at LAX before moving to a second career in pizza shop management.

He eventually returned to the family homestead in Genoa to join his brother Rick, helping with their extensive garden, providing fresh produce to family who stopped by to visit. The duo of Robert and Rick were esteemed by the Tapia family as “The Uncles,” sharing many adventures during Robs’ years in Genoa, frequenting favorite restaurants and sharing best finds from local markets and orchards. He was befriended by two feral cats who abandoned their wild ways to accept his offer of food and warmth. He also took great joy in tending to their chickens.

Robert is survived by his brothers Richard “Rick” Tapia, Jesse (Christina) Tapia, sister-in-law Joan Tapia, nieces Anne Tapia (Ernie Long) and Maggie Tapia, nephews Alex Tapia and David Tapia, great-nephews Oliver and Isaac Long and Austin Tapia, and great-niece Autumn Tapia. A brother, Joseph Anthony “Tony” Tapia is deceased.

The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff of St. Charles Hospital and to Hospice of Northwest Ohio for their loving care of Robert during his final days. A private gathering will be held at the convenience of the family.