Robert F. Greiner's Obituary
Robert F. Greiner Obituary
Robert Frederick ("Bob") Greiner, 94, born January 13, 1931 in Cleveland, Ohio, died peacefully on February 21, 2025 in Brecksville, Ohio.
Beloved husband of 58 years to the late Anna Maria Greiner, who passed 15 days after him. Devoted father to Jim Greiner and Andrea Castrovillari (Frank). Doting grandfather to Frankie Castrovillari and Maria Mackulin (Kenny) and dear uncle of many. Son of the late Frederick and Margaret Greiner, brother of June Stewart and the late Evelyn Siegel.
Bob was a commercial real estate broker for decades and a lifelong Cleveland sports fan. He held season tickets to Browns games on the 50-yard line at the old Cleveland Municipal Stadium and treated his kids and nephews to many games.
He was exceedingly generous and always grateful. He cherished his family. He made a habit of anticipating their needs and offering to do things for them before they could even think to ask.
The son of Hungarian immigrants, Bob grew up working as a "soda jerk" in his parents' drugstore, Gold Cross Pharmacy, on Woodhill Road in Cleveland. He made ice cream sundaes and sodas, while his father served customers as the pharmacist and his mother ran the Post Office.
He graduated from Shaker Heights High School, where he made the Hall of Fame for wrestling. He was city-wide champion in Cleveland, only losing one match in three years, because he was knocked unconscious.
At 5 feet, 2 inches tall, he didn't make the military height requirement for the Korean War. But he remained physically fit throughout his life.
He maintained a rigorous "calisthenics" routine into his late '80s, beginning each morning with 100 jumping jacks, sit-ups and pushups. He went for daily, hour-long walks in the neighborhood or at the recreation center (and before that, the mall).
Bob was an extrovert who loved going to restaurants for breakfast and lunch, where he'd sit at the counter or bar and talk to everyone. Everywhere he went, people knew him.
He met the love of his life, Anna Marie, at Stouffer's on the Square in Cleveland. They dated for eight years and married in 1967. They lived in Seven Hills for decades before moving to Brecksville in 2024.
Bob loved sweets and would hide stashes of candy throughout the house, his car and office so his wife wouldn't yell at him for eating too much of it. (She did anyways.)
He loved kids, cars, custard donuts and crossword puzzles. He washed and waxed his Cadillac and pulled every last weed in the yard, even at 93 years old.
Bob bore a resemblance to the actor Joe Pesci and was often mistaken for him during travels. He was brought onstage in Las Vegas, chased down on the beach by a woman in Atlantic City, and received a shout-out from the MC as he sat in the audience at Disney World.
Bob exuded goodness and joy. To know him was to love him.
He smiled often, gave compliments freely, and said "God bless you" to anyone who helped him or happened to ride the elevator with him. His playful, silly nature brought laughter to his beloved grandchildren, family and friends.
In his last months, he would loudly proclaim, "I love EVERYONE!" while waving his hand around to encompass all in sight.
He only had to wait a short time for his sweetheart, Anna Marie, to join him in heaven. They were a package deal. Now, they'll spend an eternity together.
A funeral mass for Bob and his wife will take place at St. Columbkille Church on Saturday, March 22, 2025 at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Jennings, 8736 Brecksville Road, Brecksville OH 44141.
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