Robert Jess Smith, 81, of Canton, Georgia, formerly of Mansfield, Ohio, passed away peacefully on July 30, 2025, with his family by his side.
Born in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, on November 3, 1943, Robert was the son of the late Jess and Doris Smith. His father, Jess, was a sheet metal worker and roofing contractor, and Robert worked alongside his dad and brother in the family business. Those years not only helped him pay for college but instilled in him the values of hard work, integrity, and family responsibility principles that would shape the rest of his life.
While attending Salem College in West Virginia, Robert met the love of his life, Colleen. Though both had graduated from McKeesport High School, their paths hadn’t crossed until college. They married in August 1966, eloping in Maryland so Robert could begin his teaching career. That same year, they moved to the Ashland/Mansfield, Ohio area, where they would spend the next five and a half decades building a beautiful life together. This August would have marked their fifty-ninth wedding anniversary. Robert remained madly in love with Colleen until his final day of their marriage, a lasting example of devotion, partnership, and faithfulness.
Robert devoted 36 years to teaching industrial arts in the Mansfield City Schools. He began at John Simpson Middle School, later taught at Johnny Appleseed Middle School, and retired from Malabar Middle School. He found great purpose in working with students who thrived through hands-on learning and vocational expression. Many of his students went on to win state awards. More importantly, his classroom was a refuge, a place where students felt seen, valued, and encouraged. His legacy as a teacher lives on in the lives of those he mentored and believed in.
In 1977, Robert fulfilled a lifelong dream by building a home for his family on ten wooded acres on the border of Mansfield and Lucas, Ohio. He and Colleen raised their two sons, Rob and Chris, there, creating a life rooted in love, faith, and family. Whether it was a game, concert, or milestone moment, Robert never failed to show up. His constant presence gave his sons the confidence, encouragement, and strength they carried into adulthood. He was their anchor, a man they could always count on.
Robert worked tirelessly to provide for his family. Summers and evenings were spent painting, remodeling, and building: often with his sons at his side. Those hours not only built a home, but a family. Vacations were simple and joyful: camping, fishing, and laughing around the campfire with friends. His hands were always busy, whether crafting something in his shop, working on a home project, or caring for his land. That ten-acre property wasn’t just a dream fulfilled, it was a source of peace and purpose he treasured daily.
Music was another thread that ran through Robert’s life. A member of a high school band, he carried his love for music throughout the years. He passed down his passion for guitar to his brother Tom, his son Chris, and his grandson Jess. In later years, he enjoyed volunteering at Reinhart College to share his talent and encouragement with others.
After 55 years in Mansfield, Robert and Colleen moved to Canton, Georgia, in 2021 to be closer to family.
Robert is survived by his beloved wife, Colleen; his son Rob Smith and Rob’s children, Macie and Jess; his son Chris Smith and wife Michelle, and their daughters Audrey and Claire; his brother Tom Smith and wife Pam, and their sons Jason and Garrett; and his sister Pam Matta and husband Dave, and their children Rachel, Benjamin, and Aaron. He also leaves behind extended family, former students, and many dear friends whose lives he touched.
Robert will be remembered as a man of honor, humility, hard work, and deep love. He was a devoted husband, a steady and present father, a proud grandfather, a supportive brother, loyal friend, and a mentor to generations of students. His legacy lives on not only in what he built, but in who he built up.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Little Washington Congregational Church located at 2323 Washington South Rd Mansfield, OH 44903.