Robert A. Bostick Sr., Esq.

Robert Allen Bostick Esq. was born on October 6, 1931, in Dayton, Ohio. He was preceded in death by his parents, William M. Bostick, Helen K. Wilson, sister, Dr. Marlene Rhea and beloved son, Damon E. Bostick.

Bob was nurtured in a family where religious faith and academic achievement were important. His family were members of Dayton’s Wayman AME Church. Bob often credited his mother for spawning his love of learning and interest in leadership programs that were popular in Dayton during his youth. Bob’s mother also nurtured his love for reading books which became a lifelong passion.

As a youngster, Bob was an active member of the Masterminds in English group at Grace A. Greene Elementary School. Bob soon developed an appreciation for public speaking due to his participation in the organization. Bob continued to sharpen his public speaking, analytical and parliamentary procedure skills when he was recognized by the Greater Dayton Safety Council Chamber of Commerce in 1949. During his senior year in high school, he was awarded a certificate of accomplishment because of his public service as Chief Justice of the Dayton Bicycle Court, a training ground of yesteryear for talented youth in greater Dayton.

Bob graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1949 and was accepted at Bowling Green State University. Bob immediately engaged in college life by joining various student organizations including The Pershing Rifles, a National Honorary Society of military students. Bob joined The Universities Men’s Independent Society, The Pre-Law Club and the Bowling Green Student Senate.  In addition, Bob was a devoted member of the University Chapter of Sigma Theta Epsilon, a national religious fraternity for Methodist men in college and universities.

Bob graduated from Bowling Green University in 1954 and continued his studies at Case Western University School of Law. As expected, Bob continued to distinguish himself academically and was selected as a member of the law school’s Bar Review.  Bob graduated from Case Western in 1957.

Following his law school graduation, Bob returned to Dayton and began a successful private practice specializing in Real Estate Title Law. Bob began his professional career in 1958 when there was a paucity of African Americans practicing law in Dayton. Bob immersed himself not only in the Dayton legal community but he also engaged in civic and charitable activities.

Throughout the decades, Bob was an active member of The Dayton Bar Foundation where he was honored as a Foundation Fellow.  Bob was an Honorary Member of The Dayton Bar Association where he was recognized as Dayton Barrister of the Month. Historically significant, is Bob’s role as the co-founder of Dayton’s Thurgood Marshall Law Society and the organization’s first president.  Bob was also a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. A historically African American fraternity distinguished for academic excellence, community activism and service.  Bob served as past president of the Dayton chapter.

Spanning several decades, students at The University of Dayton School of Law were beneficiaries of Bob’s vast legal knowledge and expertise during his tenure as an adjunct professor at the university. Specifically, Bob taught a variety of courses including Evidence, Criminal and Civil Trial Practice. Many of the regions current and past practicing attorneys have benefited as a result of Bob’s legal wisdom. It should be noted, that he was selected to serve on the University of Dayton Law School’s Advisory Board, including assisting with the law school’s Dean’s Search Committee.

Bob is survived by loving wife of 47 years, Barbara Stewart Bostick. His son, Robert A. Bostick Jr., daughter Robin Bostick Jones (Warren) grandchildren, Moriah Bostick Barron (Joseph), Jasmine E. Bostick, Sylvia C. Jones, Samuel J. Bostick, Adam Nunn, Warren Jones and Daniel Jones.  Great granddaughter, Ava Maria Barron.  Sisters, Katherine Bettine Williams (Lawrence) Kimberly Leslie (James), daughter-in-law, Lisa Bostick, sister-in-law, Sylvia Stewart, nephew Myron A. Stewart.  Special friend and legal mentee, Felicia Garnes, Esq. Other special friends, Arnold Brown Esq., Bishop Rudolph Pringle, Willie Clemons, Howard Smith, Jim Anderson, John and Alice Gibson and countless nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. A very special thanks to John and Alice Gibson. Bob’s special friends also included individuals who recognized his lifelong passion for reading and regularly supplied him with books and other reading material. This small group of friends included his book fairies, Richard Austin Esq., Ricardo Blazquez, Linda O. Harrison, and his wife Barbara.

Bob’s family friends and colleagues will always remember him with great admiration, respect and affection.  Bob navigated his personal and professional life with grace, intellect and humility, attributes possessed by very few people. Bob was generous of spirit and eagerly shared his gifts with his family and community. His devotion and love for Barbara as well as his children was unwavering. Robert Allen Bostick leaves a legacy of excellence worthy of admiration for everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

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