Robert O. Couch, 85, of Wadsworth, passed away Wednesday, May 4, 2011. He was born on July 31, 1925 in Bradford, PA to the late Herbert and Evelyn (nee Sweet). After graduating from Bradford High School in 1943, he enlisted in the Air Force, earned his wings and was proud to be a fighter pilot flying P-47 Thunderbolts. After graduating from the University of Pittsburgh College of Engineering in 1949, he was employed by Ric-Wil Piping Company, rising to the rank of Vice President of Engineering in 1970 and remained in that capacity until he retired in 1994. Throughout his career, Robert served on many federal research committees and was the past President of the International District Heating Association (IDHA). He held two patents, had several papers and articles published, gave many lectures and was elected as the industry spokesperson at Federal Agency meetings.

After his retirement, Mr. Couch remained active in the piping industry as an engineering consultant and served as an expert witness in many legal cases. He was a founding member of St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Wadsworth, enjoyed doing yard work and building model airplanes.

He was preceded in death by his step mother Mary (nee Gordon), sister Joan, brother William and daughter Jean. Mr. Couch is survived by his wife Helen (nee Soroka), two sons Jay R. (Barbara) Couch of Naperville, IL and Dr. Jeffrey M. Couch of Kansas City, MO, granddaughter Jennifer (James) Lotz and great grandson Jonah.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM Monday at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 146 College St., Wadsworth, OH. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Mark's Episcopal Church or St. Paul's Episcopal Church Akron, OH.

Hilliard-Rospert
(330-334-1501)
www.HilliardRospert.com