Robert "Bob" W. Possanza, Sr.

Robert “Bob” W. Possanza, Sr., age 82, of Iron River, MI, passed away on Thursday, June 21, 2018 at the Iron River Care Center.  He was born on September 23, 1935 in Iron River, MI; the son of the late Santino “Sub” and Mildred (Asplund) Possanza. He attended the Iron River Schools, graduating with the Class of 1953. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force. He then earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Northern Michigan University in business administration.  Bob married Ruth Goudreau on August 25, 1962 at St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church in St. Ignace, MI.  The couple celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary in 2017. They made their home in Marquette, MI. To further his career, throughout the years, they relocated to Eau Claire, WI, Ironwood, MI, Wausau, WI, Howell, MI, White Pine, MI, Iron River, MI, Monticello, IL, Greely, CO, Toledo, OH, and then back to Iron River, the place they loved the most, the Upper Peninsula.  He was employed as a Healthcare Executive in long term care for the majority of his career. During his career, his developed his love for the people he served. In retirement, Bob gave of his time and money generously to the Iron River Community. Because of his cancer diagnosis, he was a strong supporter of the Iron County Cancer Unit, and financially supported this charity, because of the important reason that the funds were used locally.  Bob was an animal lover at heart, and therefore, also generously gave financial donations to the local Iron County Animal Shelter. He also was a strong supporter of the West Iron County High School sports, each year donating funds to help with whatever was needed. His healthcare and business background brought him to the local hospital Board of Directors, as a member and then chairman. This commitment helped create what is our new hospital and clinic.  Bob was a member of St. Agnes Catholic Church in Iron River and a former member of the Iron River Elks Lodge 1671 and the Duke Abruzzi. He enjoyed the outdoors, spending time at camp, especially with Elio, Gene and Donnie – the last living ‘Pisano’.   Bob is survived by his wife, Ruth; son, Robert (Kelly) Possanza, Jr. of Iron River; daughter, Sue (Michael) Lemon of Duluth, MN; grandchildren, Jennifer (Jesse) Robbins, Jessica, Alyssa and Erin Possanza, Alex, Sara, Joseph, and Anna Lemon; great grandson, Bert Robbins; brothers, Duane (Carol) Possanza of Okemos, MI and Jim (Carol) Possanza of Port St. Lucie, FL; sister, Patricia Possanza; aunt, Marion “Aunt Mim” Asplund; nieces and nephews, Bob and Marla Busakowski; Jim and Julie Melchiori; as well as extended family and friends. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his sister, Carol Busakowski, and his beloved dog, Spicer.  Visitation will be held Friday, June 29, 2018 from 9:00 am to 10:45 a.m. at the Jacobs Funeral Home of Iron River. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the St. Agnes Catholic Church, with Rev. Gregory Veneklase to offer the Mass of Christian Burial. Pallbearers will be his eight grandchildren and Billy Melchiori. Honorary pallbearers will be Don Fiorani and Bob Chmielewski. Interment will be in Resthaven Cemetery. The West Side Veterans will accord Military Rites at the graveside. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Iron County Cancer Unit at P.O. Box 45, Iron River, MI 49935 or the Northwoods Animal Shelter at 930 Selden Road, Iron River, MI 49935. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Robert "Bob" W. Possanza, Sr., please visit our flower store.