Robert Kennedy, Class of 1987

Robert “Bob” Kennedy ’87 died Sunday, April 30, 2023. Bob was born in Columbus on December 15, 1964, and raised in Sunbury. He was the only child of the late Paul Roger Kennedy and Betty Jane Middleton Kennedy.

Bob was well known for his public address announcement duties at Otterbein University (football, basketball, and volleyball), The Ohio State University (where he was known as the voice of Buckeye football but also worked with baseball, men’s and women’s soccer, field hockey, women’s hockey games, and as a fill-in for men’s basketball) and Columbus Clippers, and for his on-air time, most recently at WDLR Radio.

Before graduating from Big Walnut High School in 1983, Bob was already working in athletics and was recruited for Otterbein College’s new speech communications department. He graduated from Otterbein in 1987 where he worked on WOBN radio, in the press box, and WOCC television. Bob was a member of the Otterbein ‘O” Club and received its Outstanding Service Award in 2002 for his contributions to Otterbein athletics.

For over 40 years Bob was behind a microphone announcing games in his inimitable style. Whether it was NCAA Div. III or Div. I, a crowd of a few hundred or a packed house at Ohio Stadium, Bob took pride in his work, prepared thoroughly, and strived to give his best. And in doing so, he elevated the game for players and fans alike.

In addition to his parents, Bob was predeceased by his grandparents, Wm. Robert and Bessie Wilkins Kennedy, and Harold V. and Myrtle Gordon Middleton; aunts Phyllis A. Middleton and Sandra (Philip) Middleton Coolbaugh; and uncles Wm. Richard Kennedy and John R. Kennedy.

Bob is survived by cousins Shelley (Steve) Cain and Patsy Polito; and nieces Alexis Pfaub and Alyssa Pfaub.