Robert J. Clapper

Robert J. Clapper, age 77, of East Canton, passed away on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at Aultman Hospital. He was born on October 5, 1947, in Canton, Ohio, to the late Lester and Gloria (Spece) Clapper.

A lifelong resident of East Canton, Robert, known to many as "Bob," was a proud graduate of East Canton High School, Class of 1965. He was a talented athlete, recognized as a NE Ohio and Akron Beacon Journal 1st Team Defensive Back. Bob dedicated 47 years of his career to AEP, where he worked as a relay technician and later as a senior supervisor. An avid sports fan, he passionately cheered for the Ohio State Buckeyes, the Cleveland Browns, and the Cleveland Guardians.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, William “Bill” Clapper. Robert is survived by his children, Cherie Clapper (Charles “Tom” Dent), Marlena Clapper, and Robby Clapper; two brothers, Thomas Clapper (Laura Davis) of Kent and Jeff Clapper (Susann Grimm) of East Canton; five grandchildren, Randall (Amanda) Clapper, Chara (Tom) Peterson, Danielle Dolan (Matt Moore), Jaylen Campbell, and Skylar Dent (Emily Wedding); and 11 great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews, including Meri (Dean) Payne, Suzy Clapper, Jim Clapper, Jessica (Jasin) and Jordyn Jones, Jeffrey Clapper (Kelly Dietrick), Jesse Clapper, Max (Devin) and Maverick Clapper, Ana Clapper, Julian (Kinzie) Brooks, Jeff Payne, Lucy and Finley Clapper, Aria Clapper, Gianna and Maddix Clapper, and Jayme Jones.

A private family service will be conducted on Friday, September 12, 2025. Friends and family are invited to the Committal Service, which will be held at the Sunset Hills Burial Park Chapel on Friday, September 19, 2025, at 2 p.m. A public Celebration of Life gathering for friends and family will follow from 4-7 p.m. at his brother Jeff Clapper’s home, 605 E. Nassau St., East Canton, OH 44730. Memorial donations may be made to The American Cancer Society, the Osnaburg Historical Society, or the Foltz Community Center.