Robert E. “Bob” Eppich, age 85, passed away unexpectedly and surrounded by loved ones on Oct. 19, 2023, at Goshen Hospital in Goshen.
He was born on May 1, 1938, in Cleveland, Ohio, to John Emil Eppich and Dorothy Terepka Eppich. A naturally curious and hardworking youth, Bob learned the accordion, ran paper routes, boxed and participated in Boy Scouts. In his teens, he focused on academics and competitive swimming, graduating Shaw High School in 1956.
Bob attended Cornell University, then The Ohio State University, earning a Bachelor of Arts and then an Master of Arts in metallurgical engineering. He later earned a Master of Business Administration from Wayne State University. He dedicated his professional life to metallurgy, making significant contributions throughout his career, including patented inventions. A proud and active member of The American Foundrymen’s Society, Bob earned peer accolades as a lecturer and published author.
Bob started his career serving 10 years as a senior research metallurgist at General Motors Research Laboratories in Detroit, Mich. He then spent 15 years as a vice president of Dalton Foundries in Warsaw. He went on to serve as COO of the Isaac Corporation in Maumee, Ohio, and later, as vice president at The American Foundrymen’s Society in Des Plaines, Ill. Later, and through retirement, Bob’s expertise remained highly respected and he consulted for both industry and the U.S. Department of Energy until the time of his passing.
Bob married Marilyn Frey Eppich in 1960, residing initially in Southfield, Mich., serving actively in the Jaycees, and welcoming three beautiful daughters, Laurel, Kathy, and Julie. His career took them to Winona Lake, where he and Marilyn raised their family amid the joys of lake life and a growing community. In 2007, Bob married Judith (Schmahl) Eppich, who together spent the past 15 years lovingly enjoying their Golden Years, residing in both Lake Wawasee and Punta Gorda, Fla., and traveling extensively. Bob found solace in his quiet faith in Christ and Bible study and attended Calvary United Methodist Church in Syracuse, and Burnt Store Presbyterian Church in Punta Gorda, Fla. He was prayerful and praised God every day for his many blessings.
Bob’s achievements and legacies were many, but it was his warm personality and easy smile that endeared him to all he met. Intelligent but humble, he possessed that rare ability to listen attentively and make everyone feel comfortable. He was kind hearted and interested in other peoples’ stories. He read voraciously on wide ranging topics. His love of fishing never wavered, nor did his enthusiasm for swimming; his Florida neighbors witnessing his pool laps nearly every day. These activities brought him great joy and granted him both physical fitness and mental acuity until he passed.
Bob’s proudest accomplishments lie within the realm of his family. He is survived by his wife, Judy Eppich; his three daughters: Laurel (Jim) Canan, Kathy (Mark) Slezak and Julie Eppich; his grandchildren: Robert (Molly) Canan, Tyler (Kelsey) Canan, Matthew Slezak, David (Rachel) Slezak and Zion Lee; and great-grandson, Theo Canan. Bob also loved and was loved in return by his bonus family whose survivors include five stepchildren: Jeffrey (Donna) Schmahl, Stephen (Amy) Schmahl, Julie Sanders, David Schmahl and Carrie (Brad) Vonderheide and 16 step-grandchildren. He was preceded in passing by two brothers, John and Kenneth Eppich; and stepson-in-law, Bob Sanders.
Titus Funeral Home of Syracuse is entrusted with care of Bob and his family. His memorial service is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 19, at 2 p.m. Friends and family may visit prior to the service, from noon to 2 p.m. at 1001 S. Huntington St., Syracuse.
To leave a condolence or to check for updated service details, visit www.TitusFuneralHome.com.