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(News Article) Robert Chromik, Sr., who made security his professional duty, for the Lucas County sheriff's office, a local grocery chain, and the Department of Homeland Security, died Tuesday in his Springfield Township home. He was 65.
Mr. Chromik learned in early 2012 that he had pancreatic cancer. He had colon cancer about eight years ago, and his annual checkup after the fifth year showed no cancer, his wife, Bonnie, said.
His bucket list did not include a vacation or a trip. He stayed close to home, and the items on his list - a new roof and a coat of paint for the house among them - 6 meant contractors paid visits to the Chromiks'.
"He was going through chemo and put the best face forward and was very practical," his wife said. "He said, 'There are things I need to have done so I know you will be OK.' He did not put himself, in his position, first. He was looking out for me and the kids and his mother."
Mr. Chromik retired about five years ago from the federal Transportation Security Administration, part of the homeland security department. He had been screening supervisor at Toledo Express Airport. He oversaw efforts to keep passengers from bringing aboard forbidden items, from nail clippers to crow bars or worse. He also oversaw the installation and use of a high-efficiency bomb scanner, which allowed Toledo Express to screen all baggage.
He was a Navy veteran when the sheriff's office hired him in 1969. Training as a peace officer followed a stint as a corrections officer, and he was assigned road duty as a deputy. He was shot at and shot. He was stabbed and, during a chase, swerved his patrol vehicle in a way that kept the car he was chasing from colliding with oncoming traffic. Some lawyers took to calling him "Captain America," and the department commended him for his diligence.
"He led a very colorful life," his wife said. "He truly did love it. He was always out there."
He later was assigned to the detective bureau. He was named a law enforcement officer of the year for 1976 by the Baker-Stengel American Legion Post for his investigative work, which included solving five homicides. Years afterward, he continued to write letters to the Ohio Parole Board so that offenders remained in prison.
"He never forgot a case, and I think at some point he took things personally," said his son, Robert Chromik, Jr., who is a lieutenant in the sheriff's office. "He became a voice for the victim."
He was grazed by a bullet as he tried to stop a robbery and decided, for his family, to leave law enforcement. He was hired by Seaway Food Town, the local supermarket chain, to investigate theft - mostly of employees stealing from the company.
He was born April 14, 1948, to Cecelia and Steve Chromik. He was a 1967 graduate of Woodward High School.
He was a longtime boater and was a former chairman of Bay View Yacht Club.
Surviving are his wife, Bonnie Warchol Chromik, whom he married May 14, 1973; son, Robert Chromik, Jr.; daughter, Carolyn Chromik Sellers; mother, Cecelia Chromik, and brothers, Steve, Thomas, and James Chromik.
Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday in the Sujkowski Funeral Home of Rossford, where family and friends will gather starting at 10 a.m.
The family suggests tributes to the Retired Police K9 Assistance Fund in Holland.
Contact Blade Staff Writer Mark Zaborney at: [email protected] or 419-724-6182.
28 Entries
WALLY BILIUS
Coworker
August 16, 2019
May Robert rest in Peace. He certainly had an interesting life. I remember him from St. Vincent's. Thoughts and prayers to his Family.
Vicky Lee Herman
September 22, 2013
So sorry to learn of your husband's passing. My thoughts and prayers are for you and your family.
Betty Marihugh
August 24, 2013
I really cant believe that over 30 years have passed that I have known the Chromik's. I feel deeply for the family's loss.We werent just neighbors but also friends. I will miss Bob very much. We had many out door adventures together.I hated to see you go through this buddy and wish there was something I could have done to stop it but some things in life you cant control.Just know that I will miss ya and I'll see you on the other side.
Michael Stinson
August 23, 2013
My sincere sympathy to all of you. You are in my thoughts and in my prayers.
Janice Dombrowski
August 23, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Patricia Presser
August 23, 2013
Bobby, Thoughts and prayers to you and your family. So very sorry for your loss.
Sandy Heban
August 23, 2013
Sandy and I are so very sorry for you and all of the family. Our prayers go out to all of you.
Bob and Sandy Christian
August 23, 2013
Bonnie and family, thank you for allowing me to help care for Bob. Under that " crusty" exterior was a very sweet man. I know he will be missed. My thoughts are with you all.
Pam Spence
August 23, 2013
My prayers are with you and may they help you be strong.
Debra Vasquez
August 23, 2013
Carolyn, My sincere condolences. You will be in my prayers.
Pat Klink
August 23, 2013
Bonnie and Family:
I was sadden to learn that Bob has passed. We work together for many years at Food Town. He always had that energy to make the day a great one.
Wally Bilius
August 23, 2013
Sorry to here of Bob's passing just seems like yesterday when I moved next door. Tom please give your family my condolences.
Mike Rygalski
August 22, 2013
Bonnie and family,
Bob was a wonderful man and it was my honor to be able to take care of him. He always came in with a smile and those mints. He mentioned many times what a wonderful wife and children he had It meant a lot to Bob that he made it to your 40th, he said he couldn't die on an odd year My thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time. He will be missed by all.
Marilyn Kayne
August 22, 2013
I will always remember his smile, sense of humor and his love for garlic bologna :) He got me my job with the court and I will be forever grateful. May God bless you always ..... Jody Layman
August 22, 2013
I am sorry to hear of Bobs passing. He was instrumental in helping my family put my brother, jeff eitemiller, killer in prison and keep him there since jeff was killed in 1975. He told us he had a file on the case at his home and brought all the info to the last hearing in 2009 where he had just finished chemo and handed it to another dectective that bob wanted to keep up the fight. We will never forget all he has done for us. Prayers to his family!
Beth Rains
August 22, 2013
Gary Tucker, our best friend, called to advise of Bob's passing. Gary and I both worked at FoodTown. I was in Loss Prevention for the southern region and had training from Bob when hired by Chuck North. Bob also assisted me in stake outs and I'll never forget his hilarious humor and professionalism. Bet he and Chuck are having quite a discussion right now! May the Lord wrap His arms around the whole family during your time of grief.
Lynn and Chuck Woodard
August 22, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. All my love to you. He will be missed.
Christie Warchol
August 22, 2013
Bonnie, Bobby, & Peach: I am so sorry to hear of Bob's passing. I know he is now healthy and watching over all of you. He was an incredible man who lived his life to the fullest! My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Julie Klement
August 22, 2013
My sincere sympathy to you and your family
priscilla fletcher
August 22, 2013
You have lost a truly great and unique person in Bob. Nobody told a joke better or could make anyone laugh more. He was the life and light at every event. My thoughts and prayers are for the entire family. I wish each of you the very best.
Judy Chromik
August 22, 2013
Bonnie and family, My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Bob will be greatly missed. Love, Carla
Carla Warchol
August 22, 2013
Bobby may your dad rest in peace. Remember that he is always with you. I am sure he is very proud of you and everything you have done.
rachel gaston
August 22, 2013
rachel gaston
August 22, 2013
Wonderful tribute to your husband. So sorry to hear of his passing. My sincere sympathy to you and your family. Hugs!
Janie Patterson
August 22, 2013
Thoughts and prayers to the family during this difficult time.
Pat Donohue
August 22, 2013
I was trully saddened to hear of Bob's passing. Our prayers go out to his wife and family. Back in the "day" Bob used to stop in at the TPD Detective Bureau during the midnight shift getting information from us on cases he was working on. He was always an upbeat peson, full of energy and a joy to be around. He will be missed but never forgotten.
Bob Poiry
August 22, 2013
Bonnie and Family, the family of Rick Rozek are so sad to hear of your loss. Bob and Rick were good friends and now they are both with the Lord. Knowing those two, they are not wasting time making plans for the next
adventure.
Bob Rozek
August 22, 2013
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