Robert John Grzybowski

Robert John Grzybowski, fondly known as Bob, 75, of Sandwich, Illinois passed away peacefully on February 21, 2023.

Over the past couple of months, he maintained a sense of courage, along with a sense of humor, that carried himself and his family through this difficult time. He spent as much time as he could with his children, grandchildren, extended family and friends, either on the phone or through visits, expressing his love to all the people he cared about in his life before he passed away.

Bob was born on August 26, 1947, in Chicago, Illinois, grew up in Homewood, Illinois, and graduated from Homewood Flossmoor High School. He attended college and then entered the military. He served in the Army as a Personnel Specialist and earned the rank of Private First Class. Bob was awarded multiple service medals for his time in the Vietnam War. From there, he returned to the Chicago area, started a family with then wife, Pamela Betourne, and began his career in business as a Project Manager in the telecommunications industry. He lived most of his life in the Chicagoland area, but also resided in Mesa, AZ and Grand Rapids, MI.

In his spare-time he enjoyed traveling, golfing, fishing, playing cards, and more recently fantasy football. He treasured his conversations with family and close friends, and he was always quick to pick up a conversation with strangers and enjoyed making people laugh through his wit and sense of humor. During his later years, he enjoyed spending time with neighbors and helping his local community.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John Grzybowski and Rose Robello along with his brother Eugene Grzybowski. He is survived by his daughters, Therese (Brant) Johnson, Michele (Joseph) Terhaar, and Darlene Grzybowski; grandchildren; Andrew and Aubree Johnson, Nora, Nolan and Ella Terhaar; sister, Sylvia (Michael) Torto; sister-in-law, Connie Grzybowski; and numerous nieces, a nephew, cousins and their families.

Funeral Services with military honors for family and friends will be Friday, April 14th at 1 pm at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Long Grove, Iowa.  A private Celebration of Life will follow the next day.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions or a donation to the Vietnam Veterans of America charity.