Robert Jeffrey Manak

Robert Jeffery Manak was born to Dorothy J. Manak (nee Kindig) and James P. Manak (deceased) on December 7, 1959 in Cleveland, Ohio. He graduated from West Geauga High School in Chesterland, OH in 1978.  Robert spent his last year of high school as an AFS student in Perth, Australia with the Coombs family (his beloved Papa Ian).    He graduated from Kent State University in 1983 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Science and was a member of ROTC. Robert spent 7 years in the United States Army in the artillery division and as quartermaster in Korea and Germany.  The majority of Robert’s career was working for the U.S. government, beginning with the VA and ending as a claims examiner in the War Hazards Unit for the Dept. of Labor. He adjudicated claims for contractors that were working for the federal government in a war zone, that were injured or killed by a "War Hazard". He was a compassionate and thoughtful examiner.  His 2^nd jobs were working for the Browns, the Cleveland Indians, and 18 years for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Robert had many, many, interests and hobbies.  He most enjoyed traveling, casinos, flea markets, and collecting a variety of items. His most recent and selfless endeavor was donating almost 1,600 bobbleheads to the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and  Museum in Milwaukee.  With the help of the museum personnel, he also donated the proceeds of duplicate bobbleheads to Hospice of the Western Reserve. He was the beloved brother of Frances Martin, Caroll Comeau (Bob), Jimmy (deceased) (Marci) and Louise (deceased).  He was beloved uncle to Jonathon Martin (Maggie), Paul Manak (deceased) (Kim), Kris Helwig (Austin), Jim Manak (Cyndi), Pam Odom (Justin), and Mikki Butterbaugh.  He enjoyed being the great uncle to all of their children.  Robert had many aunts, uncles and cousins he always enjoyed seeing when possible. Robert was an inspiration and joyful friend to many and was grateful to all.   His mother, Dorothy, was his most precious friend. He lost his battle with cancer and was taken to heaven on March 22, 2017. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of the Western Reserve and to the National  Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum.

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