Former Old Cars staffer Bob Lichty passes
CANTON, Ohio _ Robert C. “Bob” Lichty, a former ad manager and art director at Old Cars, and long a prominent figure in the old car hobby, died suddenly May 31. He was 75.
At the time of his death, Lichty was the owner of Motorcar Portfolio in Canton, and had been buying and selling classic cars throughout a career that spanned more than 50 years. Lichty worked for Hemmings Motor News and twice had stints as a staffer with Old Cars in Iola, Wis. — the first coming in 1973. He also worked for Carlisle Events and The Blackhawk Collection before moving to Ohio.
“I think having a love and passion for whatever you do almost guarantees that you will find a path toward a rewarding career,” he once said in an interview in Old Cars. “I love what I do. I always say, ‘If I worked this hard at something I hated, I would be rich by now.’”
Lichty was also an accomplished artist and musician. He was previously director of the Canton Classic Car Museum.
He was also a past president of the Lincoln Highway Association and impetus of its Centennial Celebration of 2013. Lichty also authored several books and many articles about classic cars and the antique car hobby.
Lichty was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Nancy Lichty. He is survived by his wife, Rosemary Rubin; two sons Christopher (Krista) and
Curtiss; two step-children, Carol Rubin and Sam (Jessie) Rubin; granddaughters Briana, Aubrie, Aria and Laikyn
Lichty; and two-step grandsons, as well as his brother, Patrick Lichty.
In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Canton Symphony Orchestra are welcome. Burial services were held at Schoenbrunn Meadow Cemetery in New Philadelphia.