Robert Alan Borzak

Robert (Bob) Alan Borzak, 76, of Nashville, TN passed away on April 30, 2023 at his home. Robert was born to the late Theodore Clarence and Caroline (Schweisthal) Borzak in Cleveland, Ohio, on April 5, 1947.

Bob married his wife, Rhea, in Cleveland, Tennessee, on May 29, 1983, and they welcomed a daughter, Erin, on August 12, 1993.

Bob attended Auburn University where he earned both his Bachelor’s degree and Master’s in Industrial Design. He was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. After college, he joined Ampex Corporation in Opelika, Alabama. During his tenure there, he received patents in the design of tape reel packaging and was one of the first to use the material Tyvek for packaging. In 1981, he moved to Nashville to join Aladdin Industries as Package Design Manager. Later in life, he was self-employed as a designer of high-end, residential kitchens, baths, and home entertainment systems.

An active member of the community, Bob was a member of Woodland Presbyterian Church, President of PTO at Meigs Middle School and member of the Hume-Fogg PTO while his daughter attended the schools, and volunteered as an on-site supervisor for Habitat for Humanity in Nashville. In 2005, he traveled with Habitat for Humanity to Sri Lanka as part of the tsunami relief effort and made two trips with Habitat to Mississippi for hurricane Katrina relief efforts. Bob served on the Board of Friends of Shelby Park at its inception. He was president and board member of Lockeland Springs Neighborhood Association. Bob was a candidate for Metro Council, 6th district in 2011. He participated in the Rediscover East Crime & Safety committee. Along with Randall Gilbeard, Bob spearheaded the Cayce Place Revitalization 2013, and the two were nominated for East Nashvillian of the Year.

Bob was a loyal, steadfast, and supportive man who dearly loved his wife, daughter, family and cats. His love language was acts of service, and he never did anything halfway for his family, planning elaborate vacation itineraries and always keeping them well-fed. He appreciated nature and enjoyed camping, particularly in the Smoky Mountains. If Bob was camping or appreciating nature, he was bound to have a camera strapped around his neck, always trying to catch the perfect shot of a sunset. He and Rhea restored an 1890 Victorian in their beloved East Nashville neighborhood. After the tornado of 1998, Bob planted several new trees, but particularly cherished the white oak in his front yard.

No hobby of Bob’s was enjoyed any less than completely. Bob was an avid fisherman and helped form the Nashville SmallmouthBass Club. He was well-known as a talented cook and made many great meals for friends and family. During his daughter’s childhood, he happily made many meals for Erin and her gaggles of friends who knew that sleepovers at the Borzak household meant gourmet breakfasts in the morning, á la Bob. His culinary creations earned him the Miss Martha’s Ice Cream Crankin’ Winner of Best of Show, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place Ribbons, along with State Finalist in the Tennessee - Southeast Dairy Dessert Recipe contest in 1986. He was truly one-of-a-kind with his brains, common sense, curious mind and unique personality.

Robert is survived by his of wife of 40 years, Rhea Humphries Borzak; daughter Erin Alise (Robert Todd) Becker; sister Sandra (Jack) Miller, brother, James (Teresa) Borzak, sister Sharry (Tommy) Rose; nieces and nephews and their spouses and children, Angela (Brian) Piszczek, Jason (Sara Ruth) Miller, Jessica (Andrew) Taft, James Borzak, Taylor Rose.

Should friends desire, contributions may be sent to Habitat for Humanity, Nashville, TN.

A celebration of Bob’s life will be held on Saturday, September 23, 2023, from 4:30 - 7:30 pm at Shelby Bottoms Nature Center, 1900 Davidson St, Nashville, TN.