Robert Joseph Meitus, of Cincinnati, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Jan 20, 2025, after 86 years of a life well lived.
“Dr. Bob” was born March 12, 1938 to Charles and Helene Meitus of Cincinnati. After graduating from Walnut Hills High in 1956, Bob attended the University of Cincinnati and was a member of the swim team while earning his bachelor’s degree in sociology. In 1960, Bob was accepted to Vanderbilt Medical School, where he graduated in 1964. To support himself, Bob played jazz piano all over Nashville with the Robert Meitus Band and would later play at Jazz Bohemia in Cincinnati, performing weddings, Bar and Bat Mitzvahs and other celebratory events.
After completing his medical internship at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami in 1965, Bob completed his psychiatric training at Cincinnati General Hospital in 1968 before becoming a Major in the US Army as Chief of Inpatient Psychiatry at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio.
From 1970-1995, Bob went into private practice as a Psychiatrist and helped countless people over the decades. His retirement book was filled with cards expressing sentiments from numerous patients who clearly had great respect for the person and practitioner he was and the heartfelt help he provided. Dr. Bob was a deeply curious man of great integrity who cared for others; dropping everything to help a patient or friend in need.
Bob’s love and ear for music was a lifelong one. He was a passionate pianist who composed music throughout his life. Bob was also an avid Bengals fan and jazz and opera enthusiast. While WW II history, racquetball, travel and family further enriched his days, it was Bob’s sardonic wish to inform everyone that “he’s not doing anything right now.”
In 1978, Bob married the love of his life, Sheila Ann Keller, who survives him along with their co-created extended and loving family of five surviving children: David Meitus, Rebecca Meitus, Danny Ovadia, Micah Ovadia, Tali Ovadia. He is survived by brother-in-law Steve Keller; daughter-in-law Lori Ovadia; and 2 grandsons, Hunter Ovadia, Zev Ovadia and countless friends. He is predeceased by his daughter, Virginia Meitus.
A memorial service will be held Feb 23, 2-4 p.m. in Twin Lakes dining room. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the National Celiac Association, dedicated to educating and advocating individuals with celiac disease, nationalceliac.org.
