Elbert Bobo Jr. 1956-2024

He was born Feb. 29, 1956, in Cleveland. Elbert was the oldest son of five boys born to his loving parents, Lorene and Elbert Sr. He attended Max Hayes High School in 1974, and then later, decided to further his education by receiving a certification in heating and cooling, and in information technology.

In the early 1980s, he moved to Youngstown and put down his roots. In his new city, he met his extended family who welcomed him with open arms; the Allen and Purdie family delivered an abundance of warmth and love that was not just limited to those who shared the same bloodline as them.

Elbert went on to work several different jobs until he found his calling as a supervisor for West Corporation IT Services and IT Consulting. Due to health issues, he was forced into early retirement in the summer of 2022.

He was a devoted father, grandfather, brother, uncle and neighbor. Being a proctor to anyone in need came naturally to him. To his grandson, he was affectionately known as “Papa”; to his host of extended nieces and nephews, he was known as “Uncle Champ”; and we can’t forget the friends and family that like to call him “Bo” or “Champ.”

He looked forward to visits from his grandson whose life he took up an active role in, always sharing advice on life skills and caring for him like a son.

Elbert had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. He often spent his spare time keeping up on the daily news, researching all the latest technology gadgets and staying up on the latest sports news, especially if it involved his beloved Cavaliers.

Elbert leaves to cherish his memory, as well as his legacy, his father, Elbert (Jean) Bobo Sr. of Cleveland; a daughter, Vanessa Bobo of Youngstown; three brothers, Ronnie (Annette) Bobo of Pueblo, Colorado, Gregory (Deena) Bobo of Huber Heights and Kenneth Bobo of Atlanta, Georgia; a grandson, Jeremiah Bobo of Youngstown; three nieces, Shontae (Vino) Bobo of Pueblo, Karissa Jones of Cleveland and Jayna Bobo of Huber Heights; a nephew, Jalen Bobo of Huber Heights; and his extended Youngstown family, with a host of relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Lorene D. Cheeks; a stepfather, Henry Cheeks Jr.; one brother, Ray Bobo of Stone Mountain, Georgia; and a cousin he considered more like a brother, Gary Bobo of Cleveland.

A funeral service will be 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025, at Augustine Funeral Home, 75 E. Midlothian Blvd., Youngstown, 234-254-8403, with calling hours for friends at noon.

(special notice)