Robert J. Dugan

Born and raised in Rocky River, Bob was a proud graduate of St. Edward High School ’56, and later attended John Carroll University. As a young man he worked at the Beachcliff Theatre and the A&P grocery store, experiences that introduced him to the steady rhythm of work and the people of the West Side community he would call home for the rest of his life.

Bob answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Navy. He trained at Great Lakes Naval Training Center, graduating with distinction—an achievement he carried with quiet pride. Bob was stationed on a guided missile destroyer.

Following his service, Bob built a long career as a quality assurance engineer at Gould, Inc. in Cleveland, a company that made medical chart readers. Known for his attention to detail and steady reliability, he spent decades helping ensure that things worked the way they were supposed to.

A lifelong parishioner of St. Christopher Church, Bob remained closely connected to his parish community throughout his life.

Though Bob never married and had no children, his life was rich with interests, routines, and friendships. He had a special fondness for Rocky River High School basketball, where he volunteered as a scoreboard keeper for many seasons, enjoying the games and the camaraderie of the gym.

Bob appreciated the simple pleasures of life. He loved time spent at his timeshare at Nautical Watch Beach Resorts in Belleair Beach, Florida, where he served on the Board of Directors, and where the sand and sea provided a favorite escape. He had an ear for all things audio and enjoyed tinkering with sound

equipment. At home, he could often be found watching British mystery programs while working through crossword puzzles or Sudoku.

He had a playful side that friends and family never forgot. Bob delighted in practical jokes, wore colorful tie-dyed shirts long, and entertained at birthday parties by appearing in an assortment of ridiculous hats. On summer evenings he could often be found setting off fireworks to the amusement—or occasional alarm—of neighbors.

Bob collected sand turtles from beach trips, played countless hands of cards with friends. He also rode a Honda motorcycle in earlier years, embracing the freedom of the open road.

Those who knew him will also remember that while he was many things—a Navy veteran, engineer, volunteer, and collector—he was, by his own admission and by universal agreement, a truly terrible driver.

Bob lived life in his own unmistakable way: curious, playful, and full of small traditions that made the ordinary memorable.

He will be remembered for his quiet independence, his sense of humor, and the colorful touches—tie-dye shirts, fireworks, silly hats, and practical jokes—that brightened the lives of those around him.

Bob was the beloved brother of Kathleen Wagner (Edward) (deceased), uncle of Elizabeth McDonough (Brian), Michael Wagner (Jennifer), and Robert Wagner (Christina); grand uncle of Gavin, Kate, Lauren, Madeline, Lucy, Rebecca, and Zachary; and son of the late John and Helen (nee Tondra).

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, March 13, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Christopher Church, 20141 Detroit Road, Rocky River, Ohio. Family and friends will be received at the church on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, Brook Park, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish may honor Bob’s memory by solving a crossword puzzle, watching a good British mystery, playing a hand of cards with friends, or setting off a small, safe firework in celebration of a life well lived.