Robert J. "Bob" Fiorentino

Mr. Robert J. "Bob" Fiorentino, age 82, of Columbus, Ohio, passed away on Sunday, November 11, 2012 at the Kobacker House in Columbus. Born in Utica on July 24, 1930, Robert was the son of the late Francesco “Frank” and Mary (Talerico) Fiorentino. He attended local Utica schools graduating from high school in 1948. On June 24, 1961 he married Laretta L. Largent. Bob attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute where he received a Bachelor of Engineering degree in 1952. He then attended Ohio State University where he received a Master of Metallurgical Engineering degree in 1954. He was employed by Battelle Memorial Institute, Columbus, Ohio for the duration of his 40-year career. Bob partnered with colleagues on numerous projects and patents, many of which were for the United States Military. As a metallurgist, one of Bob’s most notable accomplishments was the discovery of a process for hardening steel to create tank piercing artillery. He also invented high tensile strength fasteners for industrial applications and a highly pressurized hydrostatic extrusion process. He participated in, and/or authored 6 patents during his career. He was actively involved with the society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration (SME), the American Society for Metals (ASM), and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), chairing many committees, dealing with production, processing, extrusion, and forming of metals. He was respected among his peers as a motivated, critical thinker, team leader, and team member. He was an avid golfer, and during his spare time he enjoyed gardening and was notably known for always producing the first harvest of tomatoes every season. Nephews, nieces, and cousins will remember Uncle Bob for his annual trek “home” around the 4th of July for family picnics where he usually took the brunt of most teasing. He made the trip this year even though he did not feel well. He was a good sport and everyone will remember him vividly for the kind and gentle person he was. He was a parishioner of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish in Utica and St. Peter’s Church, Columbus, OH. Robert is survived by his wife, Laretta; and he was a loving father for his daughters, Claire Fiorentino, Laura Fiorentino, and Ellen Fiorentino. His extended family includes his many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and sisters-in-law, Fay Fiorentino of Utica, Nicoletta Fiorentino of New Hartford, Nina Fiorentino of Utica, and Donna Streiethau of Pleasantville, SC. He was predeceased by his brothers, Lawrence J. “Larry” Fiorentino, Eugene Fiorentino, Sr., and Francis Fiorentino. Visitation will be held Sunday from 2:00-4:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Those wishing to express an act of kindness in lieu of flowers may make a donation to the Kobacker House, 800 McConnell Dr. Columbus, OH 43214; envelopes will also be available at the funeral home. Robert’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Monday morning at 10:00 from the funeral home and at 11:00 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. James Cesta. Interment will follow graveside at Calvary Cemetery.

Robert J. "Bob" Fiorentino

July 24, 1930 - November 11, 2012