Robert P. Velotta

Robert “Buz” Patrick Velotta, 91, passed away peacefully at home on September 18, 2026.

Buz was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 60 years, Connie. Even after her passing, Buz rarely missed his Sunday visit to Holy Cross Cemetery after church to spend time with her. He is survived by his daughters, Carolann (Len) Stanek and Christiane “Chris” (Jamie) Rader; his grandchildren, Diana (Chris) Dewan, Tony (Megan) Stercula, Jacob Rader, and Jordan Rader; his great-grandchildren, Vinny and Victoria Stercula and Cecelia and Elaina Dewan; and his step-grandsons, Greg (Andi) Stanek and Matt Stanek.

He was also preceded in death by his parents, Rose and Michael F. Velotta, Sr., and his brother, Michael F. Velotta, Jr.

Buz attended Gilmour Academy, the University of Notre Dame, and John Carroll University. His professional life was deeply intertwined with the family business and the construction industry he loved.

In 1954, Buz and his brother, Mike Jr., founded River Construction Company. They later merged the company with their father’s business, Michael F. Velotta & Sons. Together, they grew the company from a local concrete paving operation into one of the major concrete paving contractors serving Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.

When Mike Sr. retired in 1983 at the age of 82, Buz and Mike Jr. continued the family business as The Velotta Company. Under their leadership, the company became one of the first and most respected concrete overlay contractors in Ohio and West Virginia. Buz was completely dedicated to his work and took great pride in the business he helped build and the legacy he shared with his family.

Buz and his brother also ventured beyond construction, building Solon Freeway Lanes in the early 1960s. They owned and operated the bowling center for more than 25 years.

Away from work, Buz was an avid golfer and enjoyed being a member of several golf clubs in Ohio and Florida over the years. His golf home was The Sharon Golf Club in Sharon Center, Ohio, where he became a member in 1972. He made many wonderful memories and friendships there. He enjoyed playing cards on Wednesdays and Saturdays and was a regular participant in the Wednesday cookouts.

In addition to golf, Buz had a passion for thoroughbred racehorses. Over the course of 20 years of successful racing, he owned more than 20 horses, many of which were trained by his daughter, Chris Rader. They shared a special love of the sport and many memorable experiences at the track.

In recent years, Buz especially enjoyed spending time with his “lady friend,” Jen Imhoff, at NuVue in Bath, Ohio. Their companionship brought him much happiness and many enjoyable moments.

Buz was also fortunate to have a special friend and neighbor, Kitsy Champlin, who brought friendship and companionship to his life.

Above all, Buz treasured his family. He will be remembered for his devotion to those he loved, his dedication to his work, his enjoyment of golf, horses, and good times with friends, and the many memories he created throughout his long and remarkable life.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to Lindsay Hawkins-Begovich for taking such special care of Robert during the past few months, to Home Instead Home Healthcare, and to Hospice of the Western Reserve for their compassionate care and support.

Family and friends will be received on Thursday, September 24, 2026, from 3:00–6:00 p.m. at Waite Funeral Home, 765 N. Court Street, Medina, OH 44256.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, September 25, 2026, at Blessed Trinity Catholic Church, 300 East Tallmadge Avenue, Akron, OH 44310, officiated by Pastor Joseph Warner.

Private inurnment will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery in Akron, Ohio.

Donations in Robert’s memory may be made to the Blessed Trinity Food Pantry.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.waitefuneralhome.com