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Robert Skwarek Obituary

Skwarek, Robert J.

Robert J. Skwarek, 67, retired firefighter for the City of Chicago for more than 32 years, died suddenly on Saturday, September 2, 2023. Beloved son of Frances and John "Lefty" Skwarek (both deceased); cherished brother of Carol, Teresa, and Donna; dearest brother-in-law of his eager co-pilot Serge Fourmaux. Now reunited with his treasured twin brother, the late, great Phil.

Bob was a remarkable soul, generous with his time, talents, and kindness, endearing him to many, especially his extended family at the Wooddale Beach Association in Lake Geneva, his Burlington flying buddies, and the Bebak clan in the Northwoods of Wisconsin.

Bob led a remarkable life and lived it to the fullest. Hard-working and humble, he touched the lives of many as a firefighter, engineer, certified EMT, and air/sea rescue diver for the Chicago Fire Department; an aviator and certified flight instructor; and an athlete and outdoorsman. Bob excelled at sports: baseball, hockey, tennis, open water swimming, scuba diving, and most recently pickleball. He loved the outdoors, feeding his hummingbirds daily, fishing for the cycle with Phil, casting while canoeing down the Flambeau River, eager to relay the day's adventures.

A good friend and neighbor, Bob always lent a helping hand to anyone in need and was generous with his labors. A handyman extraordinaire, he could find a solution to just about any problem and made friends in every place he landed. His subtle sense of humor kept you laughing and thinking.

Caring, compassionate, and much loved, Bob left the world a better place and left his family and friends much too soon. We will miss you terribly, Bob, and trust that your last flight into the heavens, with your new set of wings, will bring you eternal joy. Aloha!

Due to COVID-19, services will be private. Interment at Resurrection Cemetery, Justice, IL. Arrangements by Wolniak Funeral Home, 773-767-4500 or www.wolniakfuneralhome.com

Sign Guest Book at legacy.suntimes.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Sep. 10, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
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Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Veronica Migut & D Barrington

Planted Trees

Jesse Nunez

October 8, 2023

Prayers and condolences to the family, he was a great friend and loved by all. May he RIP.

Lynn Von Bergen

September 14, 2023

To all of Bob’s family and friends, my deepest condolences. I’m so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. He was a wonderful friend and neighbor here in Wooddale subdivision. He would often ride his bike while I walked either to or from the lake. We would often see each other at the pier while he was either swimming at the end of the day or snorkeling near the pier. I cared deeply for Bob & had assumed he was with family since he wasn’t at the pier the last few weeks. (I’m not on Facebook & just learned of his passing today.) I will miss him quite a bit! Heaven has definitely gotten another angel!❤❤ RIP Bob

Luis Zambrano

September 13, 2023

My condolences to the entire family!Bob was an amazing person with a heart of Gold just like Phil! I loved when he and Phil would play tennis at Diversey clay courts.It was a treat for me to see them play for hours.Always kind and always a Gentleman.I´ll miss you my friend!!

Bob Sachs

September 12, 2023

In the ten years I worked with Bobby, we had some great adventures at ASR. Helocasting and diving just about the entire length of Lake Michigan and most of the retention ponds together. In black and murky water he always had a smile on his face, ready for the next dive. I always knew he had my back. I will always think of his warmth and kindness.

Pat Kehoe

September 11, 2023

So sorry to hear about Bob. Bob and I were both young firemen on Engine 30, we worked together for 7 or 8 years. Bob was good fireman and great guy to work with. In all the years I worked with Bob I never heard a complaint from him, that is rare for a firemen. A good man may he rest in peace.

Edward Tadla

September 10, 2023

Worked with Bobby for years at Air Sea Rescue ,
Always a gentleman . He was a great detail guy , when anyone saw a beautifully repaired dry suit for diving, someone would always comment “ Bobby must have done that “
Sorry for your loss .. Ed Tadla

Donna Barrington

September 7, 2023

To the entire Skwarek Family:

I am deeply saddened to hear of the loss of your brother. I could tell that Bob was a very good man from the few brief encounters I’ve had with him over the years at my Mother’s house. I’m sorry that we didn’t get to know him better because I am blown away by all of his interests and accomplishments in life!! What an amazing role model he must have been to anyone who knew or encountered him! He lived such a full & meaningful life in service to others from what I read in his obituary. You all must have been SO very proud of him! My heartfelt wish for the family and especially for Teresa is that you will find comfort and peace in your many memories together and in the knowledge that you were all so richly blessed to have had Bob in your lives for 67 years - such a good brother and admirable human being who truly made the world a better place!

My deepest sympathies & condolences go out to all of you during this difficult time. May God hold you in His loving arms and give you Comfort.

Donna Barrington

Veronica Migut

September 7, 2023

Teresa, Carol, & Donna:

I am so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. He was such a nice man - always willing to help. Please accept my condolences to your entire family. May your many happy memories with Bob console you and bring you peace.

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Andy, Robin and Truman

Planted Trees

Andrew Kubicsko

September 7, 2023

To Bob´s family, extended family´s and friends. We met Bob 15 years ago when he would swim by our pier on Geneva Lake and our dog Lucy would jump in the lake and swim with him.
Over the years my wife and I had many enjoyable conversations with him. We will miss you "swimmer Bob" RIP
Andy, Robin and Truman

Nancy Szkodzinski

September 7, 2023

Carol, Teresa, and Donna,
I am deeply sorry for your loss. I hope that your many fond memories of Bob bring you comfort and ease your sadness.

Christine Godowski

September 7, 2023

Carol, Teresa, Donna and Family,
My sincere condolences at the loss of your brother. May the memories you all have continue to provide comfort. God Bless!

Marilyn Szkodzinski

September 6, 2023

Carol, Teresa, and Donna
I'm deeply sorry to hear of your loss. So many memories of growing up together on 44th Street. Bob led a remarkable life and the good he did for everyone will be rewarded. He will always be with you, now another guardian angel watching over you all.❤

Stanley Kawczynski

September 6, 2023

Rest in Peace Bob. My biggest memory is about you and your brother always fooling my dad Both of you waiting for my mom to bring home the big candy wheels from the world ‘s finest chocolate every Halloween. Twins working double duty for double treats. LOL.

Twin brothers reunited. Both gone too soon.

Carol Skwarek

September 6, 2023

Phil, Sarah and Grant Tetley

September 6, 2023

Bob was a beloved friend who shared so generously of his time, stories, expertise and enthusiasm for life. It brought such joy to see the "kid" in him as he played baseball with our son using the exact replica home plate he made for him. As our son shared "He was the best pitcher for me." We are sorry we did not have more time with him as it left so much unsaid and so many adventures unexplored. He is interwoven into Lake Geneva as well as the many many friendships he developed and it is hard to picture life without him. May your family know how blessed we feel to have had him in our lives.

Phil Tetley

September 5, 2023

I always enjoyed visiting with him during my times in Lake Geneva.

MaryAnn Poskonka Atwood

September 5, 2023

The Skwarek family lived in the Chicago neighborhood, Back of the Yards, as did many of the Poskonka clan. Bob's Mom was my Dad's sister and oh how these Polish families knew how to celebrate! Numerous events brought the family together: summer picnics; parties to commemorate First Holy Communions, Graduations, Birthdays, Anniversaries, Weddings, Christenings, and finally Funerals. How fortunate we were to grow up in the same neighborhood with Aunts, Uncles and Cousins galore!
Bobby & Philip were so identical in appearance, I could never tell them apart. And oh what fun they had teasing me, pretending one was the other. I am sad to say that as we all grew up, we grew apart, living our own lives in various locations. This beautiful obituary has reintroduced me to this wonderfully creative, funny, strong, honest man. The world is a sadder place without his laughter, his kindness, his "Polishness".
Bobby you will be missed.
peace,

Stephen Weber

September 5, 2023

You were our dear friend and next door neighbor in Lake Geneva for 10 years. You helped me launch my boat and pilot it around Lake Geneva many times. You helped with carpentry projects and took us flying in your arrow aircraft. You rehearsed your flight instructor and instrument instructor license tests with us. We hope and pray that you are flying and piloting in heaven. We will miss you dearly. Jean and Steve Weber

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