Medina novelist Robert Levandoski dies at 59

[Blog note: Among survivors listed are "colleagues and friends at the Akron Beacon Journal." His widow is BJ reporter Carol Biliczky.]

Robert C. Levandoski passed away suddenly on September 8, 2008.

He was born on June 5, 1949 to Clyde and Edna. Born in the historic area of Bennett's Corners Ohio, Rob grew up to cherish the memories and legacy of his family's century old farm. Throughout Rob's life he instilled the value of family and often spoke proudly and fondly of his ancestors. He carried their resolve of adversity to many areas of his life.

Beginning his career in journalism, he worked at the Medina Gazette where he would meet lifelong friends and mentors. Rob continued developing his love for research and writing as managing editor for a national consumer magazine. Rob fulfilled his dream of publishing his first novel in 1997, Going to Chicago. He again displayed his love of family by telling the tale of his father and Uncle Corwin going to the World's Fair in 1934. As three novels followed, Rob perfected the art of visual analogy and the inner working of small town politics. He continued weaving tales in his mystery novels under the pen name CR Corwin. In 2004, Rob's novel Fresh Eggs was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize. His love of instruction was for all to see as he taught writing courses at the University of Akron.

Rob was passionate about politics, equality, and learning. He passed the legacy of fairness and unconditional love unto his children. Forever in our memories is the strength Rob showed during family tragedy. He diligently cared for his father during his struggle with Alzheimer's and was a stronghold during his sister-in-laws battle with cancer.

Preceded in death was his sister-in-law, Joyce Biliczky in 2003; and his father, Clyde in 2005. He leaves his beloved wife, Carol Levandoski; mother, Edna; brother, Donald (Linda); daughters, Jenifer Sperrazza (Charles), Kary Prince (Brian); grandson, Gabriel Remark; niece, Heidi Yatsko (George); and children, father and mother-in-law, Charles and Rose Bilickzy; friend and mentor, Sandy Lemasters; colleagues and friends at the Akron Beacon Journal, The University of Akron, and the Permanent Press Publishing Company, lifelong friends, Howard Cook, Paul Grant, Gary Hemphill, Jim Kerns, Dale Maharidge, and Ed Noga, and his mischievous dogs, Dudley and Nellie.

Join us for reflection and celebration of Rob's life at Waite and Son Funeral Home, 765 N. Court St. in Medina, OH 44256, Saturday at 11:00 a.m. Family will receive friends Friday 2 to 4 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial Spring Grove Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the University of Akron Foundation, Akron, OH 44325-2603 for a scholarship in his name. This will continue Rob's legacy of learning to perfect the written word.
[Akron Beacon Journal, Wednesday,September 10, 2008, page B7, col. 2]

Please click on the headline to see the newsstory on page B5 which tells about his marriage to Carpol.]