Robert M. Vanecko M.D.

FUNERAL HOME

Smith-Corcoran Chicago Funeral Home

6150 North Cicero Avenue

Chicago, Illinois

Robert Vanecko Obituary

Name: Visitation for Robert M. Vanecko M.D.
Start: 2023-12-17T21:00:00.000Z
End: 2023-12-18T02:00:00.000Z
Location: Smith-Corcoran Chicago Funeral Home

Robert M. Vanecko, M.D. of Lincolnwood, age 88, passed away at home surrounded by his family on December 11, 2023.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years Mary Carol (nee Daley); children Robert G. (Jamie) Vanecko, Mark (Kimberly) Vanecko, R.J. Vanecko and Mary Clare (Oscar) Hickman; grandchildren Bobby, Mary Kate, Danny, Meg, and Ellie Vanecko; Luke and Henry Vanecko; Mary Alana and Eleanor Hickman; siblings Richard (Barbara) Vanecko, Fr. William Vanecko; in-laws Patricia Daley Martino, Richard M. Daley, Michael (Nancy) Daley, John (Mary Lou) Daley and William (Bernie) Daley; and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents Michael and Raphael Vanecko, brother James Vanecko, in-laws Peter (Patricia) Martino, Maggie (Richard M.) Daley, Barbara (Michael) Daley, and Eleanor Daley.

Dr. Vanecko grew up in Chicago. He attended Christ the King grammar school and was a running back and graduate of Leo High School. He graduated from Georgetown University and Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. He trained at Cook County Hospital and the Chicago VA Hospital and served as a medical doctor in the U.S. Air Force at Homestead Air Force Base in Florida.

Dr. Vanecko practiced medicine for over 50 years serving as Chair of the Department of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery and Chief of Staff at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. He also served on the faculty at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and was passionate about resident education. He was active in numerous medical organizations serving as President of the Chicago Medical Society, Chair of the Illinois State Medical Licensing Board, and a Trustee of the Institute of Medicine. As a proud veteran committed to national service he worked for many years at the veteran's hospitals of Chicago.

He was a generous man with a dry sense of humor who loved boating in Grand Beach, Michigan, sailing in the Chicago to Mackinac Race, fishing, gourmet food and wine and was always on call to help others in their time of need. The family extends their gratitude to his friends for their love and support and to his caregivers, especially Juan and Marc.

Visitation is Sunday, December 17, 2023, from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Smith-Corcoran Funeral Home, 6150 N. Cicero Ave., Chicago, IL, 60646. Family and friends to meet for a funeral Mass Monday, December 18, 2023, 10:00 a.m. at Queen of All Saints Basilica, 6280 N. Sauganash Ave., Chicago, IL, 60646. Private interment at Holy Sepulchre Catholic Cemetery & Mausoleum. Info 773-736-3833 or www.smithcorcoran.com

Memorial donations to Misericordia Home (www.misericordia.com) or Box United (www.boxunited.org).

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

Published by Chicago Tribune from Dec. 14 to Dec. 15, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Vanecko

9 Entries

Elayne Ihnchak

January 14, 2024

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. I am sure your precious memories will help with your grief and loss.
Fondly, Elayne Ihnchak
(Daughter~in~law of Dr. Michael and Lillian Ihnchak.)

Nicholas Pavletic

December 18, 2023

Condolences to Mary Carol and the family on their loss.

Marybeth & John Tschetter

Planted Trees

Carol Cox

December 17, 2023

I was a Surgical Nurse at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago for over 30 years. I was the head surgical Nurse of Thoracic, Vascular surgery for years. I was blessed to work with Dr. Bob Vanecko in the operating room for years and called him Dr.V. He was a kind man and an excellent surgeon. At different events I got to know his wife Mary Carol and wish my sincere sympathy for Dr. V's passing, may God rest his soul.

Karen Quinlan Turner

December 17, 2023

I was fortunate to have worked with and for Dr. V at Northwestern. I have very fond memories.

But one memory stands out. I reported to Dr. V when my Dad died unexpectedly. He went out of his way to allow me the much needed time to spend with my family as we managed through the early days of that very difficult time. I will always be grateful for the grace and kindness he showed me.

Dr. V was a man of quiet character and integrity who greatly valued family.

I extend my sincere condolences to the entire Vanecko family. I hope you find comfort in knowing that Robert M. Vanecko, MD impacted many lives. I am better for knowing him.

Sincerely,

Karen Quinlan Turner

David and Esta Berger

December 14, 2023

Our condolences to Bob´s family. He was a Co Resident at Cook County and a good friend. I learned a lot from him and will keep him up front in my memory.

December 14, 2023

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Leslie Fox

December 14, 2023

This was a fine man, in every respect of the word, kind, classy, soft spoken. Many times I was fortunate enough to be seated next to Doctor Bob at civic engagements and what fun I had each time. Bob was funny, astute and great company. And while so smart and accomplished, always very down to earth and accessible with a great sense of humor. He loved his wonderful partner in life Mary Carol as do I and his children whose world he seemed to orbit around as a devoted father and grandfather. Perhaps some thought he was quiet, but I never thought that was the case, he was just a bit shy maybe? When you take the measure of a man, Bob hit all the marks, he was a great man and I am so sorry. Please accept my deepest condolences and love to the family.

Sr. Rosemary/Fr. Jack & Residents of Misericordia

December 13, 2023

Our sympathy and special prayers for Dr. Vanecko and all his family and friends.

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