Robert James Kamenca

Robert “Bob” Kamenca, 80, of Sun City, Arizona, passed away peacefully in the early morning of October 12th, surrounded by Rosemary Cox Kamenca, his wife of 60 years, and daughters Andrea, Alicia, and Anissa. Bob was born in Perrysburg in 1943 to Michael Kamenca and Maria Kudlika, the youngest of 6 children. In addition to his wife and three daughters, Bob is survived by seven grandchildren and his brother, Thomas, and is preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, and three brothers. Bob was a loyal and loving husband and beloved father. He cherished his family, his wife, and girls more than anything and was a “man before his time” with his hands-on approach to raising daughters in the 60s and 70s. He was adamant that each of his girls knew they could be and do anything and served as the cheerleader of their dreams and goals. He was their hero and #1 fan. Always inspiring, encouraging, and supporting their hopes and aspirations while entertaining their ideas and inventions, finding just the right supplies, talking through the creative process, and ensuring they had what they needed to succeed. Bob was quite the creative and inventor as well. Although he could not bring his products to patent, it did not keep him from continually having ideas and building prototypes. He created and developed such products as a home kit for hurricane survivors and a sun visor extender for cars (long before they were available commercially). He also used his creativity to build various artistic products, some via community commission, and was always able to complete building and remodeling projects around the various homes he and Rosemary owned. He and Rosemary also served as owners/operators of Woodworks etc., a furniture refinishing business in Rossford that he and Rosemary ran together, repairing and restoring antique furniture and returning pieces to their former glory. Early in his career, Bob worked for Owens Illinois and Craftmaster. His time at Owens Illinois produced mirror blanks later installed at Kitt Peak Observatory and in other large telescopes. One product from early in his career is still on the lunar surface. After relocating to Arizona, Bob worked as a quality engineer, working on projects for the defense department and NASA projects, including ejection seats for fighter pilots and military and small ballistic safety equipment. He was always very meticulous about the quality of the equipment he inspected. He took great deal of pride in being able to keep, among others, our military personnel safe. Bob was also an avid train collector and built quite an impressive layout in his home train room after retirement. Bob was loved by many, brought joy to those around him, and shared his gratitude freely to those who helped care for him. Bob was loving and kind. Many of his neighbors knew him through the many animals he cared for, as they often saw him walking with his trusty companion. He had many dogs and cats and loved them each completely. Animals and babies seemed to always gravitate toward Bob’s gentle and kind disposition, and he, in turn, shared that sweetness with every creature in his care. You could often find him with a dog on his lap or a hummingbird in his hand! He passed this love of animals and the importance of this kindness toward all humanity to his daughters and grandchildren. Bob will be missed greatly by us all. It was not uncommon for medical staff to share that Bob “is our favorite patient” or how they loved hearing his “Hidey Ho” upon arrival to dialysis or when asked how he was feeling, “Peachy Keen.” Bob brought a bright light and warmth to everyone around him with his kindness, cheerful smile, and continuous sharing of thanks and gratitude for those who cared for him. Bob did not wish to have a community service. However, if you would like to make a remembrance or share a memory, please leave a comment or donate in his name to The Arizona Humane Society.