Robert John Jursich

Robert John Jursich, 99, passed away peacefully at home on September 12, 2023.  
Bob was born March 18, 1924, in Chicago, Illinois spending a good number of his years during the depression on a farm his Dad bought in Woodstock, Illinois. This ignited a passion for land and conservation he would enjoy later in life, on 120 acres he purchased in Holmes County, Ohio. 
After a successful career selling flooring products in multiple states for Bonafide Mills, he became interested in a new and growing but as yet unheard-of restaurant chain named McDonald’s. Despite banks laughing at the new concept, he persevered and opened his first unit, the 366th in the country, in Cleveland, Ohio in March 1962 after graduating at the top of the class from one of the first Hamburger University classes. He held the position of Chairman of the Advertising Committee for the Northeast Ohio co-op during some formative years for the young brand and achieved numerous awards for his restaurant organization which grew to 6 units. 
After an incredible milestone of over 55 years as an owner/operator, he retired with his son in 2018. Always having a soft spot for children, he was able to make a substantial donation to University Hospital’s Rainbow and Babies Children’s Hospital before his passing, capping a long history of support for charitable causes. 
Bob was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 66 years, Marthe; sisters, Elenore, Lorraine, Viginia, and Dorothy; and brother, John.
He is survived by his devoted son, Robert (Mary Kay) Jursich Jr.; and cherished granddaughter, Sarah (Brian) Blaine.

Friends may call from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM on THURSDAY, September 21, 2023, at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd., Fairlawn, OH 44333. Mass of Christian Burial will take place FRIDAY, September 22, at 10:00 AM at St. Basil the Great Catholic Church, 8700 Brecksville Rd., Brecksville, OH 44141. Entombment immediately following at All Saints Cemetery, Northfield, OH.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Robert’s name may be made to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northeast Ohio, RMHC Northeast Ohio, 10415 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44106.

Services in care of The Billow Funeral Homes & Crematory, Fairlawn Chapel, 85 N Miller Road, Akron, OH  44333.

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