Robert E. Hatton

Robert E. Hatton, 69, an Akron native who moved to Florida just over two decades ago, died peacefully on October 23, 2017 at home, with his wife, Lisa, by his side. Bob was diagnosed in June with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease), a plight he faced with quiet resignation (and, at times, a bit of understated, yet understandable, anger). He spent his last month's enjoying a continuous stream of visits from his sons and his siblings, and their families. During those visits, he would reflect on happier times and talk realistically about what lay ahead as his body shut down, limb by limb. A 1966 graduate of St. Vincent High School, Bob earned a bachelor's degree in education from The University of Akron in 1971. He taught in the Akron public school system for more than a year before deciding on a career in corporate advertising. In 1973, he began work at Firestone Tire & Rubber Co., then moved in 1980 to BF Goodrich Tire (later Uniroyal-Goodrich Tire Co. until it was acquired by Michelin). He retired from Michelin in 1993, and launched his own Cleveland-based career in advertising, doing voiceovers and appearing in outdoor advertising, direct mail campaigns, brochures, television commercials, industrial videos, and magazine and newspaper ads. Upon moving to Florida in 1995, he continued his career in front of the camera hosting local cable TV shows on a variety of topics including law, health and pain, home improvements, and travel. For many decades, Bob was an avid golfer, carrying on a tradition begun by his father. Indeed, it was a family pastime, highlighted by one particular summer when Bob and two of his sisters all won trophies in their respective age brackets at Firestone Country Club. But of all the siblings, Bob was, far and away, the best golfer. He was good enough, or maybe just lucky, to have had 2 holes in one! And the best singer. Throughout his life, he sang in many venues, from karaoke to weddings. One of his favorite memories was the time he was on a business trip and was cheered as the "Mystery Singer" after he took the microphone and sang at a big event he and his colleagues just happened upon in a hotel. Bob was predeceased by his parents, Robert H. and Katherine ("Cappy") Byrider Hatton, his sister Marianne, and his father-in-law, Leslie Bechtold. In addition to his wife, Lisa, he is survived by his sons (his pride and joy) Robert and daughter-in-law Arianne Saeedi and their children, Kate and Robby, of Orinda, CA, and David and daughter-in-law Lisa Caroselli and their son, Otis, of Hopewell, NJ.. (Bob's grandfather, Otis C. Hatton, was superintendent of the Akron public schools for 13 years, beginning in 1942.) Bob made a memorable toast to Robert and Ari at their wedding in 2008, and he did a marvelous job officiating the marriage of David and Lisa in 2011. He also is survived by his three sisters, Carol Dies of Akron (husband Ken), Katherine of Pennington, NJ (husband Richard Bilotti), and Lori Rasmussen of University City, MO (and her husband Paul). He also is survived by a host of nieces and nephews and many great-nieces and great-nephews: niece Janet and her husband Chip Lippincott of Akron, OH, and their children, Alex, Anna, and Colin; nephew Ken ("Jeep") and his wife Janice Dies, of Akron, and their children Matthew and Lauryn; niece Judi and her husband Doug Carlson of Dunwoody, GA, and their children Natalia and Jeremy; niece Pam and her husband Dennis Smith of Columbia, MD, and their children, Erin and Nathan; nephew Mike and his wife Missy Dies of Akron, and their children, Madison and Ashley; niece Kathy and her husband Tim Harbert of Canton, OH, and their children, Merina and Dustyn and granddaughter Zerina; niece Leigh Rasmussen of Grand Rapids, MI, and nephew Kyle Rasmussen of University City, MO. Lisa's mother, Jane Bechtold, and brother, Tim Bechtold, both of Florida, also survive. He will be missed by his beloved cats Dante and Allegra (Alle) and he will be reunited with Hawthorne at the Rainbow Bridge. Bob's life will be celebrated by his family and friends in Akron this spring. (He declared that no one should have to travel to Ohio in the winter.) A headstone will be placed at Holy Cross Cemetery in Akron, alongside the burial plots of his mother, father, and sister. At his request, the headstone will be inscribed: "I am in a better place. I hope." In lieu of flowers or what, in his view, are other fleeting tributes, contributions may be made in his memory to St. Francis Animal Rescue 1925 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice FL 34293 or a local charity of your choice.

Tributes

Robert E. Hatton

August 17, 1948 - October 23, 2017