Robert M Katula

Dr. Robert M. Katula passed away peacefully on the afternoon of October 14th at Kobacker House. He was surrounded by his sons Robert and Doug. His death came less than one month before his 90th birthday.

Dad began his life journey in Youngstown, Ohio in 1933. He lived through the Great Depression and the end of World War II as a youth living in Campbell, Ohio. Life was centered in the middle of the “Steel Valley,” the heart of the US steel industry where he worked part time during the summer.

He attended Campbell Memorial High School where he met his wife Joan to whom he was married for over six decades. Mom was the principal’s daughter so Dad proved early on that he could meet a tough challenge. A natural athlete, Dad lettered in four sports — football, basketball, baseball and golf. Later in life, he would return to teach math and history at Campbell in the early days of his optometry practice.

Dad graduated from The Ohio State University with a BA degree and later a Doctorate in Optometry. He practiced Optometry for five decades in Poland and Boardman, Ohio.

While at Ohio State, he played on the golf team with his late brother Ted Katula. One of his accomplishments was tying the great Jack Nicklaus in a varsity-alumni match, something neither golfer forgot. Dad held many jobs to support himself through college. One that he reminded us with joy was working on various projects at Ohio Stadium.

Our father’s main passion in sports was golf. He was a member of Oakmont Country Club from 1971 until 2023. Dad holds the rare distinction of holing two shots from the fairway in the same round at Oakmont, a feat that has likely never been duplicated. He also played extensively at Hubbard Golf Course and Mill Creek Golf Course, where he learned how to play. He was a Club Champion at every Country Club to which he belonged. His love of golf was passed on to his two sons and anyone else who happened to be near him on the range. Dad gave a lesson to everyone whether they asked for one or not.

Later in life Dad became an avid runner. He ran many10k races before becoming a marathon runner. Starting 26 marathons and finishing 24 was one of his greatest athletic achievements. His best time of three hours 21 minutes was achieved at the Boston Marathon.

An accomplished story teller, Dad loved turning back the hands of time to share funny moments from his life. These are stories that will live on forever, including all the times he brought back items he purchased at grocery stores.

Dad will be missed by all who loved him. We shall celebrate a life well lived secure in the knowledge that he is at peace and united with his wife. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Joan Katula; parents, Theodore and Mary (Franko) Katula; and his brother, Ted Katula.

He will be greatly missed by his children, Doug (Lisa) Katula and Robert Katula; grandchildren, Sara, Rachel (Kyle Smith), Doug, Brian, and Tommy Katula; sister, Mary Jane Phillips; his dog, Angel; and numerous extended family and close family friends.

In lieu of flowers, the Katula family requests that donations be made to Ohio Health Hospice/Kobacker House.

A visitation for Robert will be held Saturday, October 21, 2023 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Schoedinger Worthington, 6699 N High Street, Worthington, Ohio 43085.