September 9, 1963 - November 6, 2023
Robert Martin Barchak, Jr. also lovingly known as Bobby, Uncle Bobby, Magilla, Pretzel Bob, passed away on November 6, 2023 at the age of 60 at his home in Palos Hills, Illinois. Robert was born September 9th, 1963 in Chicago IL
Beloved…
· Son to parents (angels) Patricia and Robert Barchak
· Brother to Nadeen, Tami, Tim and Jami
· Brother in-law to Dan, Joanne (angel), Mike, and Shane
· Uncle to Nicole, Jaclynn, Matthew, Zac, Ava, Derek and Lorelei
· Great Uncle to Aubrey, Noah, Shaun, Charlotte and Cullen
· Great life-long friend to many!
In loving memory of Bobby/Uncle Bobby. It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved brother and uncle. Bobby left us on November 6th, 2023 leaving behind a legacy of joy, dedication, friendship, and support.
Bobby was a warm presence in our lives, always ready to bring a smile to our faces with a goofy sound effect (“Sca la la la la”), quirky phrase (“Eat shit and bark at the moon!”), or just tell us he loves us, which he did often. With his tremendous sense of humor and vibrant personality, he made everyone feel included and cherished unconditionally.
More than just a brother and uncle, he was dedicated and hardworking his entire life. As a young man in his early twenties, he worked to support his family to help put food on the table, turn the heat on for the house, and fix up cars for our mom, Mammy. All that while taking freezing cold showers before work – can still hear him howling in there trying to hurry! Working most of his life in residential landscaping, he also managed the land at Ray & Donna’s apple orchard on weekends which was his home away from home! In his later years, he worked at the Ford dealership, making more strong connections there as well.
One of the more remarkable qualities about Bobby was his heart of gold. He moved in to help care for our father, Pappy, when he was sick, and he also helped raise his nieces, Ava & Lorelei with his brother Tim for the past 11 years. He shared many milestone memories, from birthdays to graduations, weddings, and watching his Cubbies finally winning the World Series. Sundays were for hanging together watching the Bears lose, with that anxious leg always shaking. He had a soft spot for his fur-baby Gidget, deemed his service animal due to their sweet bond.
He was very empathetic and always protective of his loved ones - you knew he always had your back. He was known as the family Santa Claus and each year, no matter his income, he made sure all the kids had many fun presents to open. He had a love for the outdoors - 4-wheeling & snowmobiling, and above all, he loved partying out in the woods with his friends every chance he got! His love for music was infectious! KISS was his all-time favorite and he gave us all that appreciation for music in our lives. At any given time, you would find Bobby playing with his young nieces and nephews, usually down on the ground, and later we discovered that at one point, he let each of us girls dress him up with makeup and do his hair & nails! Bobby lived by his own rules, and that is what helped make him so special. He touched numerous lives with his kindness and generosity, leaving a permanent mark on the hearts of all who knew him.
Though we mourn his loss, we find peace in the memories we shared and the impact he had on our lives. In the end, he was surrounded by SO many who love him. He truly lived his best life! We invite you to join us in celebrating the life of Bobby. May his memory be a reminder to cherish the moments we have with our loved ones. Rest in peace, Bobby – you will be deeply missed, and your love and laughter will forever remain in our hearts. “Look at the head on him!”
Celebration of Life:
Crooked Creek Woods, Pavilion #2
10400 S. Kean Ave, Palos Hills, IL
Outdoor celebration - you are welcome to join us in dressing in Bobby-attire (Cubs, Bears, classic rock bands, superheroes, Budweiser)
Saturday, November 18th between 10:00 am – 4:30 pm
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