Robert Marek Obituary

No matter how many years pass, the memories of us linger in my mind and heart. With the anniversary of your death quickly approaching, it feels right to remind you of how I loved you with all of my heart, still do, always will. I miss you. I miss us.

~ Uncle Rob ~

You were the epitome of what an uncle should be: strength, courage, love, and warmth. You always taught us to reach down to lift others up, and your golden rule was to be the best that we can be, and to give everything that we’ve got. You measured success by your ability to make friends out of neighbors and acquaintances, to make family out of friends, and to make your family your life. You taught me that the true strength of a man is not only within his potential to rise up, but that it also lies within his ability to come down to the level of a child. You showed all of us that it will never matter how many years any of us live, but rather that it is how much we truly lived that will always be important. So, as we lay you to your rest, we will go forward, knowing that you will always live on inside of us as we live out our lives as you showed us best – with strength, courage, love, and warmth.

With All My Love and Respect

I was over come with emotion and was unable to finish the tribute I had written for my Bobby. I’d like to take a moment to share it with all of you now.

All who knew Robert; have a moment, a memory or a story to tell. Pardon me if you have heard this story before, but it is my story.

Tuesday, February 19th, 1985 was a bitter cold day. My car was stuck on an ice mound in the alley behind my apartment. I wondered how was I ever going to get to work.

Still somewhat new to the city, I wasn’t familiar with the bus service. I knew the “L” stopped at the street where I worked, so I bundled up and walked to the “L” that morning. I thought to myself, I certainly wasn’t going to walk home that evening.

That evening after work I got a transfer and was on my way home. I got off the then Ravenswood “L” at the Western Avenue stop. I still didn’t know which bus I needed to get home.

Even though Mama always said, “Don’t talk to strangers.”, I asked a stranger which bus I needed to get to Catalpa. That stranger was Rob. He replied take Lincoln 11 North bound. Here it comes. Wait for it. I asked him which way is North. He smiled and asked if I had a transfer. I did. He pointed to a bus sign, told me to stand there and board the next bus.

I boarded the bus. As I looked for a seat, I noticed the stranger was on the bus too. I sat down beside him. We exchanged pleasantries. He called me a snowbird (someone who takes public trans during the winter months). As we neared my stop he asked if I’d like to have a drink, I said “Yes.” and so began our story.

His flirtatious eyes and welcoming smile drew me near. His sense of humor and charm brought me back. His love and devotion kept me at his side over 23 years.

So much has happened since that cold day in February. Some good times; marriages, anniversaries, and the birth of a new family member. Some not so good times; illness, surgery, the loss of loved ones. Through it all, good and bad, we remained at each other’s side.

Rob wasn’t my first love, but I always thought he would be my last love. I know he wasn’t perfect, but he was perfect for me.

Our condolences to Robert's family and friends. We will miss his smiling face and personality in our neighborhood.

We send our condolences. We appreciated the work Robert did for the neighborhood. We know that the grieving will continue and pray that you all are able to share the joys and memories of his life.

It is with a smile that we will remember Robert, along with his brother Rich, handling every detail of our neighborhood picnics. Our condolences to Rich, Dianna and all of Robert's family for their loss. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. We're sure Robert is walking Bacchus in Heaven.

I work with Dianna at COUNTRY and I just want to say that my thoughts and prayers are with you Dianna as well as with Bobby's family. Dianna and I talked about Bobby and I know how much he was truly loved and will be missed. God be with you all.

I worked at CTA with Bob, his father Ken and his brother Rick for many years. It was always a pleasure to work with him. He had a positive attitude and a quick quip for everything. Those were good days in Operations Planning at the Mart
Harry Hirsch- CTA retiree

I was landing at O'hare today when I thought I should pick up the Sun-Times and see what's been going on in Chicago. I'm truely sorry I did! I grew up with Bob and we had alot of good times as well as bad. But then again we were kids. My heart goes out to you Rich and Annamaire. Trust you and your entire family are in my prayers. Terry

As a life long friend of Robert Marek, I am thankfull for many happy memories that robert left behind for me to cherish. Robert was a man that deserves respect, for the way he led his life, he certainly has my respect. Robert will always have a special place in my mind and heart. I will miss Raberto my best friend very much. May god bless you Robert.

Richard, Mary and Annamarie:

Terry and I are sorry to hear about Robert. He has joined your mom, your dad and your brother and we hope that gives you comfort; he is not alone. We are thinking of you and you are in our prayers.

As co-workers and friends of Dianna, we would like to extend our sincere condolences for the loss of Bob in her life. She has shared some of her memories and a glimpse into the trials the family has weathered over the past 22 months. Our hearts are with her and with Bob's family as well.

Sincerely,

Sandra Beitz

Our deepest sympathies to Annamarie Gaconis and her whole family. Robert was so young and passed much too soon.

I had the privilege of meeting Rob through Dianna as well. All I can say is . . . What a likable man. His dedication to those he loved was readily seen. My thought and prayers are with you all at this difficult time. I hope this expression of sympathy will bring you some comfort . . . and hope your memories will help you through each new tomorrow.

I worked with Dianna at COUNTRY Financial for several years, and talked with her regularly about Bobby and the troubles he was going through. It is sad to know he is gone now, but I know his suffering is over, and Dianna can rest now knowing that too. God bless you both.

Dianna, I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you.

To the family/friends of Bob:
I was saddened to hear of his passing while reading the Sun-Times this morning. I went to grammar school with Bob and remember the days of going to the drive-in and sneaking in someone or two in the trunk of the car so we didn't have to pay as much. I'll remember the good times we all had. My prayers are with you.

Dianna, I am so sorry to hear of Robert's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you (and Robert's family).

Bob and I met our first year at CTA and rode the Brown Line together. He was always happy which made me happy. I know Richard will miss him terribly as we all will who shared his table at the Pioneers Club. My Mother adored him.

We first knew Bob as an across the street neighbor who became a close friend. Always ready to help where needed and even though he was single he was very much a "f'amily man"! Our family will miss him.

I met Rob through his girlfriend, Dianna Thomas, and I knew instantly what a great guy Rob was. He always made me laugh, and we had some good times together. I will never forget Rob, and I know how much he loved Dianna. He had such a big heart, and I know he is in a better place now. Rob, I will miss you.

Amy J. DiSantis

I am so sorry to hear of Robert's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you.