Arthur Hirtreiter

Arthur Bernard Hirtreiter 92 of Akron died April 5 2006 at Hospice Care Center. Arthur was born on July 31 1913 in Brooklyn NY. He was a graduate of Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute with a degree in Engineering. He began his professional career with Mack Truck in Allentown Pennsylvania followed by REO in Lansing Michigan. In 1955 he moved to Akron and became Chief Engineer of Industrial Products Air Springs Division at Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company. While at Goodyear he invented a revolutionary design called the 'rolling lobe' air spring for which he holds the patent. He developed 'air sleeves' or 'air springs' which are now used extensively in the automotive industry. He designed suspension systems for the Polaris Missile transport and testing platforms and for jet engines on the nuclear powered aircraft carriers 'Constellation' and 'Eisenhower.' He was a Fellow and 50 year member of the Society of Automotive Engineers. In 1997 he was honored as a Distinguished Goodyear Corporate Inventor. He was a docent for the Collier Automotive Museum in Naples Florida and for the Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation. Arthur was preceded in death in 1958 by his wife Sidney; he married Marion Schroeder in 1971 his wife for 29 years they had many happy years together in Ft. Myers Florida. He was also preceded in death by his grandson Matthew Nicholas Yanko. He is survived by his children Richard (Diane) Hirtreiter of Traverse City MI James (Sharry) Hirtreiter of Traverse City MI Mary (Robert) Yanko of Akron Charles (Marilyn) Schroeder of Mission Viejao CA Thomas (Susan) Schroeder of Buffalo NY and James (Carol) Schroeder of Wilmette IL; grandchildren Bill Richard Megan Jordan Kristin Beth Nathan Becky Bill Peter David Jamie Griffin Janet and Chip; great-grandchildren Jake David and Bradley. Art was blessed with a long and beautiful life. He was a gentleman and a gentle man. He loved the world and all of God's people and creatures. His life was full of learning adventures and misadventures. He enjoyed sailing entertaining cars and fast driving. Art will long be remembered by his loving friends and family for his many kindnesses his stories his culinary skills and good cheer. He was a master boat builder woodworker jeweler and friend. He was the 'salt' of the earth. There will be a Memorial Mass at St. Sebastian's Church in Akron at a later date. Interment will be at Christ Church in Winnetka IL. The family wishes to thank the staff at Rockynol and Hospice Care Center for their compassionate care. If you wish memorial donations may be made in his name to Children's Cancer Fund Division of Hematology Oncology Akron Children's Medical Center 1 Perkins Square Akron OH 44308 or Hospice VNS 3358 Ridgewood Rd. Akron OH 44333.