Robert (Bob) Tayek, Cleveland Guardians public address announcer and longtime Cleveland area broadcaster passed away Tuesday, May 12, 2026 following a brief illness. Bob had the opportunity to grow and develop his 50-year broadcasting career in his hometown of Northeast Ohio, a rarity in the broadcasting industry.

Bob’s extensive career included more than 25 years working in local radio and television outlets where he served as a radio news anchor, reporter, news director, program director and vice president of news. During his time in radio news his voice was heard across America on the CBS and ABC radio networks and Great Britain’s BBC. But if you asked him about his greatest broadcasting achievement he would probably say it was hiring Tom Hamilton, the radio voice of the Cleveland Guardians.

Additionally, he was the recipient of numerous broadcasting and journalism awards for reporting and performance and was nominated for a local television Emmy. He received the Society of Professional Journalism Distinguished Service Award for chairing the SPJ national convention held in Cleveland. The event drew journalists from around the world. In 2025, he was the recipient of the Press Club of Cleveland’s distinguished Chuck Heaton Award.

For 20 years he was the director of communications for the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland under the administration of three bishops. A position that connected deeply with his Catholic roots.

During his 26 year tenure with the Cleveland Guardians he announced 81 home games per year, playoff games, the World Series and the 2019 Major League All-Star game. In 2025 he was acknowledged as among the best public address announcers in Major League Baseball. You can also find a chapter devoted to his work as a public address announcer in the book, “Working at the Ballpark.”

Bob grew up in Maple Heights, Ohio. He was a proud graduate of St. Peter Chanel High School and received his bachelor of science in communications from Ohio University and a master of arts degree from the University of Akron. He also served as an adjunct professor of communications at Baldwin Wallace and John Carroll universities.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Maria (nee Barbatano), son Douglas (Andrea) and daughter Gabrielle Steiner (Ryan), grandchildren Colette and Aaron Steiner, brothers Richard Tayek and Jon Tayek and sister Joan Chryst. He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Bernadette Tayek and his grandson, Dominic.

Interment All Saints Cemetery. Mass of Christian Burial 10 am Tuesday at Church of the Gesu. Friends may call atTHE FIORITTO FUNERAL HOME, 5236 MAYIELD ROAD, LYNDHURST (EAST OF RICHMOND ROAD) 3-7 PM MONDAY.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions made in his honor to the Gesu School Families in Need Fund, 2470 Miramar Blvd, University Heights, Ohio, 44118 or Cleveland Guardians Charities, Progressive Field, 2401 Ontario Street, Cleveland, Ohio, 44115.