Rudolph Hills Garfield

Rudolph Hills Garfield died on April 21st, 2017 after a long illness. Bob, as he was known, was born in Cleveland on July 16th, 1928 and was raised in Mentor in a house next to the Presidential home of his great-grandfather President James A. Garfield. The son of Rudolph and Eleanor Garfield, Bob and his brother Pete grew up in Mentor where their mother was the town mayor. Bob was a graduate of Western Reserve Academy in Hudson, and Williams College. While working for Pan American Airlines Bob was transferred to New Orleans where he met his wife of 62 years, Jenifer Barnes Garfield. They have two sons, William and Daniel, and one daughter, Helen, married to Todd Morris, and their son, Abram Garfield Morris. Also surviving are their three nieces, Suzanne, Elizabeth, and Molly, and a sister-in-law Noel Barnes Williams and her children Catherine, Herb, and Eric. After leaving Pan Am, Bob worked for National City Bank and with investment banker Mc Donald and Company. In addition to his business life Bob gave time and energy to his community. For over 50 years he was a strong supporter of the Hattie Larlham Foundation in Mantua for severely handicapped babies and children. As president of their board he chaired two capital campaigns. On the Vestry of St. Paul’s Church he chaired their capital campaign, and also one for the Lawrence School. He was a Trustee of Hiram College where his great-grandfather, President Garfield, had served as president. Bob and Jenifer enjoyed many summers with their children in Northern Michigan and trips to New Orleans and the Gulf Coast. As theater enthusiasts they enjoyed theater in London and families there who had spent the war years in safety with the Garfields in Mentor. The family would like to express their appreciation to their aide, Denice Hanson, and to the caregivers in the Reinberger Unit at Judson Park, who have been so helpful to Bob during his long illness. The family suggests that contributions in his memory be made to Hiram College, the Hattie Larlham Foundation, St. Paul’s Church, or Lawrence School. A Memorial Service will be held on May 20th at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church at 3 P.M. with a reception to follow.