Robert N. Michel

2011 Inductee

Robert N. Michel was a 1951 graduate of Union City Area High School and lived in the Union City community for over 53 years, raising two children and several grandchildren with his loving wife Myrle. After graduation, Bob served in the United States Air Force for four years. He then served as Deputy Sheriff of Erie County and was eventually elected Erie County Sheriff.

Bob was a member of several committees and boards throughout his life in Union City. He served on City Council, the St. Vincent Hospital Board, and the Union City Area School District Board of Directors, where he served as president. If Bob was asked to serve on a board or committee, he willingly did so to serve his community.

Bob was an active member of the First United Methodist Church for many years and he volunteered countless hours to his church and family. Bob and his wife Myrle also volunteered their time helping with the Union City Alumni Homecoming Banquet for several years. Bob was the "voice" of the Union City Homecoming Parade for decades. Bob was also one of the co-founders of the Union City Lumber Festival that was held in Union City.

Anyone attending a festival, carnival, or prom-to-dawn event will remember Sherriff Bob and his fundraising "jail". Bob spent countless hours volunteering his time "arresting" people for a good cause. Bob also volunteered much of his time helping Rosemary Obert and her music program by building and painting the sets for several class plays and musicals.

Anytime there was a call for help in our community, whether it was to sit on a committee, help out a student or teacher, clean up the community, or build pride in our town; Bob was willing to lend a hand. Bob Michel served his community with dignity and pride and his loving contributions will be sadly missed.