Robert Konstam

Robert B. Konstam, 83, of Mansfield, died Wednesday, September 8, 2004, at MedCentral Mansfield Hospital after an extended illness. He was born May 14, 1921, in Scranton, Pennsylvania to Gertrude Bissell Kohnstamm and Frank Rayfield Kohnstamm. He was a graduate of University School in Cleveland, Ohio and Kenyon College. Mr. Konstam began his employment history in sales with Westinghouse Corp. before entering the insurance business as an independent insurance agent with Konstam, Massa & Upham, Inc. Unable to enlist in the U.S. Armed Services as a result of a childhood illness, Robert joined the American Field Service and drove an ambulance during World War II. He was later attached to a division of the British infantry and served out the remainder of his tour, after which he received an honorable discharge from the enlisted reserves. Mr. Konstam was an active member of the Fifty-One Club, Westbrook Country Club and had served as director of the Richland Trust Company, a trustee of Rehabilitation Services of North Central Ohio, a trustee of Richland County Heart Board and was a member of the First Congregational Church in Mansfield.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Ann Loughridge Konstam, with whom he loved to play golf, snow ski and travel. He is also survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Tracy K. and Jon L. Bletz and their children, Zachary Bletz of Chicago, Illinois and Cori Ann Bletz of Cincinnati, Ohio; a son and daughter-in-law, Robert L. and Mary Ann Konstam and their daughter, Laura A. Fannin, her husband, Nathan and their two children, Nathan and Stephen Fannin.

Memorial services will be held Saturday, September 11 at 10:30 a.m. at First Congregational Church in the parlor, officiated by Rev. Clifford Schutjer. The family will receive friends following the service. Wappner Funeral Directors assisted the family with arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to Konstam Family Fund at the Richland County Foundation.