Bob Williamson, owner of Westerville’s Cardinal Pizza, dies at 41

David Rees
·2 min read
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Bob Williamson, owner of Westerville’s Cardinal Pizza, dies at 41

WESTERVILLE, Ohio (WCMH) — Bob Williamson, the owner of Cardinal Pizza in Westerville, has died after a nearly two-year battle with cancer. He was 41.

Williamson had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in March 2022 and died on Monday, the pizzeria announced on social media. The owner’s siblings shared in an online fundraising post that he underwent major surgery, chemotherapy and radiation “like a champ,” all while running the pizzeria at 10 E. Main St. in Westerville.

<em>Bob Williamson died after a nearly two-year battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 41. (Courtesy Photo/Cardinal Pizza)</em>
Bob Williamson died after a nearly two-year battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 41. (Courtesy Photo/Cardinal Pizza)

“Bobby was a humble and unassuming husband, dad, brother, uncles, son, cousin, boss, friend, and community leader that has made a mark on the city of Westerville and each of us,” his siblings wrote. “He was a person that brings people together.”

Williamson opened Cardinal Pizza in 2019, which quickly became a beloved spot in Westerville’s uptown district offering a selection of Columbus and New York-style pies. The pizzeria was a catalyst for Williamson to support the local community, regularly donating to Whittier Elementary School and sponsoring Rotary Fourth of July.

Cardinal Pizza also aided in fundraising for the Westerville Area Resource Ministry and Nationwide Slice of Columbus. In addition, Williamson partnered with the Arts Council of Westerville and invited artists from the Community Artists of Westerville to exhibit their creations in the eatery. He also served on the board of directors for Uptown Inc. and was a member of the Westerville Area Chamber of Commerce.

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“Cardinal Pizza is a favorite of everyone who has tried it,” wrote the Uptown Westerville Merchants on social media. “Bobby knew how to run a great business. I hope he knows how proud we all are of his success.”

Williamson is survived by his wife, Melissa, his son, two siblings, nieces and nephews. He will be honored at 4 p.m. on Saturday at Genoa Baptist Church. Learn more here.

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