Robert L. Mihuta (Mihuta)

January 6, 1925 — March 29, 2020

Robert Louis Mihuta, age 95, died peacefully at the Vermont Veterans' Home in Bennington, Vermont on Sunday, March 29, 2020, after a short illness. Bob was born in Lorain, Ohio on January 6, 1925, to Dan and Theresa Mihuta who had left Romania and Hungary, respectively, at the turn of the century to create a better life in America. They instilled in Bob a strong work ethic and the importance of education, along with Theresa's love of singing. When Bob was ten, he contracted polio and was nursed back to health through the devotion and determination of his mother. With his regained mobility, Bob showed talent in many sports, with a special interest in track and field, helping his Amherst High School teams win several championships. He graduated in 1943 and immediately began serving his country in the US Army.

Bob trained as a radio operator in a reconnaissance tank crew and became part of the first convoy that shipped directly out of New York, landing in Le Havre, France, as part of the D-Day operation. He fought in France and Germany, achieving the rank of captain through a battlefield commission. After the war, he attended Baldwin Wallace College in Ohio where he pursued his education on the GI Bill and continued his love of track, earning a place on the US Track and Field team at the 1948 Olympics in war-torn London. His roommate was Harrison Dillard who won two gold medals at the Olympics that year. When Dillard, a black man, faced discrimination, Bob always stood by him. Both men were inducted into the Baldwin Wallace Athletic Hall of Fame.

Bob graduated from Baldwin Wallace in 1949, majoring in physical education with a minor in English. He had already married the love of his life, Helene Naber, and they began their family. After teaching and coaching in the public schools in Ohio, Bob became an executive with Union Carbide in Cleveland. In 1961 he was transferred to Bennington, Vermont, becoming Director of Industrial Relations. Throughout his years in leadership roles in education, coaching, and industry, Bob was known to go the extra mile to encourage and motivate others. Always civic-minded, he served on several boards, some of which included the Bennington YMCA, Blue Shield of Vermont and New Hampshire, and the Chamber of Commerce in several cities.

Bob was predeceased by his parents, Dan and Theresa Mihuta; his wife, Helene Naber Mihuta; and his brother, Dan T. Mihuta. Survivors include his children Dale (Joy) of Cincinnati, Ohio; James (Faye) of Saratoga Springs, NY; Robert (Kim) of Bennington, Vt.; and Amy of Woodstock, Vt.; along with eight grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, a niece and nephew and their six children, and many cousins. Sadly, Bob departed this world in the chaos and isolation brought on by the coronavirus. His family is looking forward to a celebration of his life when they can gather together once again.
Memorial contributions may be made to honorflight.org through the Mahar and Son Funeral Home
Remembrances may be made at www.maharandsonfuneralhome.net.

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Robert L. Mihuta (Mihuta)

January 6, 1925 — March 29, 2020

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