Robert Joseph Pilskaln
1951 - 2025
Robert Joseph Pilskaln, 74, passed away on December 31, 2025, in Mesa, Arizona, due to complications following surgery. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Robert led a life marked by intellectual curiosity, creative passion, and enduring connections with family and friends.
Robert graduated from Western Reserve Academy before attending Kenyon College for two years. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Ph.D. in Sociology from Case Western Reserve University. His deep engagement with the social sciences led to a career in higher education that spanned three decades. Robert taught sociology at institutions across the country, including Cuyahoga Community Colleges in Ohio, DePaul University, Tulane University, the University of New Mexico, and Maricopa Community Colleges in Arizona. His dedication to teaching left a lasting impression on countless students and colleagues.
Beyond academia, Robert had many enthusiastic interests. He loved classical philosophy and creating abstract artwork. He was a lifelong fan of vintage rock and roll, and of the Rolling Stones throughout their history. His favorite outings were to art museums and to the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix, Arizona. Early on, his passion for music and his gift for satire led to years of audio production work with his performance group, "Just Guise". Later he undertook several local radio projects, helping friends to get on the airwaves and realize their creative visions. He also developed and gave multimedia presentations on the emergence of rock and roll, R & B, and swing, for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.
Robert was known for his sharp wit and spontaneous, hilarious wordplay. He brought humor and insight to every conversation and collaboration. He was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in later years, but he never let it stop him from pursuing his many projects. He maintained close ties with family and friends across the country and was loved and esteemed by all.
Robert is survived by his life partner Lavinia Wright and his niece Cynthia H. Pilskaln. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Elsie Pilskaln, his brother Harold Pilskaln, Jr., his niece Suzanne M. Pilskaln, and his nephew Peter H. Pilskaln. He also leaves behind many cousins and friends who cherish his memory.
Although he is dearly missed, Robert's legacy lives on through the lives he touched—as an educator, collaborator, partner, family member, and friend. A suggested charity for memorial donations is the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.
Robert graduated from Western Reserve Academy before attending Kenyon College for two years. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Ph.D. in Sociology from Case Western Reserve University. His deep engagement with the social sciences led to a career in higher education that spanned three decades. Robert taught sociology at institutions across the country, including Cuyahoga Community Colleges in Ohio, DePaul University, Tulane University, the University of New Mexico, and Maricopa Community Colleges in Arizona. His dedication to teaching left a lasting impression on countless students and colleagues.
Beyond academia, Robert had many enthusiastic interests. He loved classical philosophy and creating abstract artwork. He was a lifelong fan of vintage rock and roll, and of the Rolling Stones throughout their history. His favorite outings were to art museums and to the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix, Arizona. Early on, his passion for music and his gift for satire led to years of audio production work with his performance group, "Just Guise". Later he undertook several local radio projects, helping friends to get on the airwaves and realize their creative visions. He also developed and gave multimedia presentations on the emergence of rock and roll, R & B, and swing, for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.
Robert was known for his sharp wit and spontaneous, hilarious wordplay. He brought humor and insight to every conversation and collaboration. He was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in later years, but he never let it stop him from pursuing his many projects. He maintained close ties with family and friends across the country and was loved and esteemed by all.
Robert is survived by his life partner Lavinia Wright and his niece Cynthia H. Pilskaln. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Elsie Pilskaln, his brother Harold Pilskaln, Jr., his niece Suzanne M. Pilskaln, and his nephew Peter H. Pilskaln. He also leaves behind many cousins and friends who cherish his memory.
Although he is dearly missed, Robert's legacy lives on through the lives he touched—as an educator, collaborator, partner, family member, and friend. A suggested charity for memorial donations is the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.
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