Robert W. Ress

Robert W. Ress, 95, of Punta Gorda, Florida and New Philadelphia, Ohio died Tuesday, June 17, 2008 in his home following a sudden illness.

Bob retired in 1976, as owner and operator of Motor Freight Inc. at Midvale. He was previously a truck driver for L. Strawn Trucking Company in New Philadelphia.

Born May 27, 1913 in New Philadelphia, he was the son of the late Joseph and Lucy Bechold Ress. He was also preceded in death by two sisters and brothers in law, Betty (Joe) Creal and Ann (Jack) Snyder.

He was a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in New Philadelphia. He was a life member of the New Philadelphia Elks #510 and the New Philadelphia Masonic Blue Lodge where he was a 32nd degree mason. He was also a member of the Scottish Rite Valley of Canton, Tadmor Shrine, Tuscora Rifle Club, National Rifle Assn. (NRA), and for many years was a member of the Tuscarawas County Mounted Deputies. In Florida, he was a charter member of both the St. Andrew's Golf Club and the Isle Yacht Club. Bob was a 1932 graduate of New Philadelphia High School. He was an avid outdoorsman where he hunted and fished in Canada, Maine, Wyoming, Montana and Alaska. At the age of 90, he could still shoot clay pigeons with extreme accuracy.

Bob is survived by his wife of 68 years, Dorothy Herzig Ress; one son and daughter in law, Bill and Ann Ress of New Philadelphia; three grandson, Greg (wife, Jen) Ress, Doug (wife Ulla) Ress and Ryan Ress all of New Philadelphia; four great grandchildren, Reagan, Rachel, Julia, and Kaylee along with nieces and nephew Dianne Gibbs, Patricia (George) Giannos, and Jerry (Linda) Froman and several great nieces and great nephews.

Funeral services celebrating Bob's life will be held Friday, June 20, 2008 at 2pm in the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory at Dover with Pastor Stephen Patrick officiating. Interment will be in the Evergreen Burial Park. Friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday from 5-8pm. Those unable to attend or who may wish to express a fond memory of Bob may sign the online register book by visiting the "obituaries" link on the funeral home website at www.tolandherzig.com

Memorials may be made to the NRA, 11250 Waples Mill Rd., Fairfax, Virginia 22030 or the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation 6917 Arlington Rd Suite 308, Bethesda, Maryland 20814

Toland-Herzig
330 343-6132