Bob Burky was a lifelong Shelby resident and spent much of his time paying it forward to his hometown community. He had a passion for all things Shelby and was active in the community until his death in 2007.
He possessed a strong affinity for developing the youth of Shelby and strove to serve as a positive role model. In his younger years he coached Little League baseball and later Girls Summer League softball, but his first love was his involvement with the Shelby Whippet Band. He volunteered countless hours of dedicated service to all aspects of the band program. In 1979 he began his service as president of the Band Boosters, a role in which he served for more than 20 years. During that period he oversaw operations of the concession stands at home football games, ran the Shelby Sportsman show and transported band instruments and equipment to all performances both locally and out of state until 2007. He considered the band his extended family and the members his honorary children – some of whom he continued to mentor after high school.
Bob also supported the Shelby community by serving as an auxiliary police officer for 13 years and on Shelby City Council from 1992-2007. He was extremely proud of his hometown and always sought the best for Shelby residents. He was always concerned with what the future had in store for the community and wanted to preserve the sense of Shelby pride.
His professional career started at Burky Marathon and subsequently he worked at Montgomery Ward, Bud Young Chevrolet, and Hicks & Martin before establishing Burky Tire and Amish Furnishings with his wife Barb.
He married Barb Spoljarick in 1962, and she resides in Shelby, continuing to serve the community. In his later years Bob’s first granddaughter Meridan was his pride and joy. His grandson, Cooper Robert Vosicky, who was born shortly after his death, continues to carry on his name.
His son Bob Jr ’82 has continued to operate Shelby Tire and resides in Shelby. His daughters Kim Burky ’84 and Laurie Vosicky ’90 are both graduates of The Ohio State University. Kim resides in Columbus and is employed by Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co. Laurie resides in Painesville Twp. and is a kindergarten teacher with Willoughby-Eastlake Schools. Nominator: Mike Miller ’78.