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Robert Anderson
1936 - 2022
Robert Anderson
1936 - 2022
Obituary
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Robert Anderson Obituary
Robert Donald Anderson, or as most knew him, Bob (or Bobby) Anderson, 85, of Chicago, died of natural causes on Sunday, August 28, 2022, after recent years of illness and pain. Bob passed away peacefully at Lombard Place Assisted Living & Memory Care in Lombard.
Bob was born on September 12, 1936, in Chicago to parents Bernice and Walter Anderson. He would have turned 86 in just a few weeks. It was very difficult for Bob and his brother Bill to deal with the tragic death of their dear mother Bernice from a train accident in 1963. The Anderson brothers both went on to raise beautiful families.
Bob and his ex-wife Joan (née Morvis) Anderson raised their three sons in Orland Park. Bob was the loving father of David Anderson, Steve (Vicki) Anderson and Mike (Kelly) Anderson. He was the loving brother of Bill (Dawn) Anderson and the extremely proud grandfather of Cami, Emmie, Nate, Hayley, Taylor & Brayden Anderson. He also loved being an uncle and godfather (Kum) to his nieces, nephews & godchildren.
Bob graduated from Bowen High School and the University of Illinois, Urbana with a degree in Accounting. He worked for decades at various companies including DePalma Group, Baker McKenzie, Price Waterhouse and Perkins & Will. He was a U.S. Army Veteran.
Bob had a great sense of humor and loved to sing. He sang tenor and was a longtime member of Serbian Singing Society Sloboda. He went on to become President of Sloboda and eventually one of their directors. Many will remember Bob up in the choir loft directing the choir for church services on Sundays at St. Archangel Michael’s Serbian Eastern Orthodox Church, first in South Chicago and then in Lansing. He was also known for his annual performances in the church variety show Barn Dance. Bob was also a long-time member of the Apollo Chorus of Chicago & the SSF (Serbian Singing Federation of America).
Bob was a devoted Chicago White Sox fan and absolutely loved going to Sox games with his family. One of his greatest memories was watching the White Sox win the 2005 World Series with his sons Steve & Mike & several other family members. Besides the White Sox, Bob’s favorite pastime was doing the daily crossword puzzles in his favorite newspaper, the Chicago Sun-Times.
He will truly be missed by all friends and family.
Visitation is Thursday, September 1 from 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM, Pomen Service at 7:00 PM, at Thornridge Funeral Home (Janusz Family Funeral Service) 14318 S. La Grange Rd. (Northbound traffic: U-turn permitted at 143rd St.), Orland Park, IL 60462. Lying in State, Friday September 2 from 10:30 AM until the time of Service at 12:00 PM, at St. Archangel Michael Serbian Eastern Orthodox Church 1500 E. 186th St., Lansing, IL 60438. Interment Oak Hill Cemetery, Hammond, near his parents Bernice and Walter.
Memorials may be directed to St. Archangel Michael Serbian Orthodox Church.
27 Entries
Barbara Scharringhausen
October 1, 2022
I met Bob in 1981 when I joined the Apollo Chorus. He and I struck up a friendship immediately as we were born in the same year, although I was older by 5 months. He never let me forget that. We had a fantastic time when Apollo went to sing in New York. I talked to him every year on his birthday. I am so sorry I didn't know of his passing until after the memorial service when I couldn't reach him on his birthday.
Barbara Scharringhausen
Richard Garrin
September 11, 2022
So sorry to hear of Bob's transition. I knew him when I lived in Chicago. I knew of his love of singing and Apollo Chorus and we talked music as I was a choral director. He had a good sense of humor and cared a lot for his family and friends. May peace and comfort come to his family soon. You all will be in my prayers. Richard Garrin
Marie Milovich Basile
September 10, 2022
I am so sorry to just learn of Bob’s passing. I regret being unable to pay my respects in person for someone I admired and thought so highly of. To his children and ex-wife Joan please accept my sincere condolences. May his memory be eternal. Marie Milovich Basile
Milan Chonich
September 2, 2022
My heartfelt condolences to the Anderson family on the passing of Bobby. I met Bob Anderson in the 1960’s while I was singing in the Ravanica Choir of Detroit. Countless SSF Festivals, SSF Conventions, “Barn Dances” and Fall Choir Concerts latter I got to know him as an accomplished singer, a talented leader, charismatic, humble and above all one of the nicest guys I will ever know. He will be missed.
May His Memory be Eternal.
Milan M. Chonich, Past President Serbian Singing Federation
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Bozi Vukobratovich
September 1, 2022
Dave, Steve, and Mike..
My respects and condolences.
Richard Goich
August 31, 2022
To the family of +Bob(Bobby) Anderson,
Please accept my deepest condolences on his passing! He was a wonderful man who I considered a friend. As a fellow Past President of the SSF he was dedicated to his beloved Sloboda Choir!
May His Memory Be Eternal!
Dr. Richard Goich
SSS RAVANICA
Detroit, MI
joseph parker
August 31, 2022
Remembering Bob from SNF Bkt'ball tourneys in
tutoring us. He also played well. Good Guy.
Sal Guccione
August 31, 2022
Bob was a good friend to all who knew him, I will miss our dinners out and our conversations about life in general. His sense of humor was contagious. My condolences to his family on the loss of this great guy.
Scott Chmieleski
August 31, 2022
Dave, I can sense the deep love and respect that you have for your Father. What a great family legacy and lineage that you continue with your kind heart and joy for life.
Frank Mustari
August 30, 2022
Bob was to me a good loyal friend I enjoyed traveling through Germany with several years ago. As we both aged I am 84 and suffered similar medical problems associated with aging we have not been able to share much with each other in some time. Bob will always be remembered as a kind considerate gentleman and a loving father.
Marge Dolan
August 30, 2022
I will remember Bob as one of my favorite residents to take care of at Lombard Place. Through his moods swings, he knew I was there to take care of him. I did all I could to help him. I have been absent for the last few months for personal reasons. He was a good man and he loved his family. A forever Chicago White Sox fan. Maybe next year.
Paul Bielich
August 30, 2022
I'm saddened and my heart is heavy in hearing the sad news of Bob's death. His passing is a tremendous loss to Sloboda and the Serbian Singing Federation. Bob was an exceptional President and Treasurer of the SSF and his commitment and devotion to both Sloboda and the SSF is unequaled. His Sloboda Barn Dance performances evoke cherished memories and there is no singer that could sing the calling out solo in Svatovac as Bobby.
The Sloboda Choir and Serbian Singing Federation are richer today because of his influence. Wishing you peace everlasting Bobby. Vjecnaja Pamjat dear friend.
Millard and Cindy Golusin
August 30, 2022
It is with profound sadness in hearing of the passing of Bob Anderson. He was truly a wonderful person and I was one of many privileged people to have known him. His dedication and contributions to the Serbian Orthodox community of South Chicago were immense, as well as to his fellow Serbs on a national level. As mentioned by many, he was truly one of the funniest people I ever met. Our sincerest sympathies to the entire Anderson family. May his memory be eternal
Alexandra Glumac
August 30, 2022
To my Kum Billy, Kuma Dawn, David, Steve, Mike and families, my deda's heavenly choir added a new tenor voice and I have no doubt that Bobby's arrival has been met with hugs and cheers. While we are at a loss, heaven has gained an angel. Sending all my love.
Mary and Dan Ozanich
August 30, 2022
We will remember Bob always as we say goodbye. He had the greatest sense of humor and, despite his suffering later in years, enjoyed a loving family and wonderful life. We are all better off for having had him in our lives. Our hearts go out to David, Steve. Mike, Billy, Dawn, Joan and to all those who loved him dearly. He was a good man.
Mickey Maxwell
August 30, 2022
I only met Bob on a few occasions as he is one of my best friends and my best man, Dave's Dad. He was very welcoming, charming and fun on those occasions, and he (and Joan) raised one of the best men I know. I'm so grateful to them for bringing such a great guy into the world. Sending so much love, light, and peace to Bob and his whole family.
Estelle Paloma
August 30, 2022
I went to Bowen High School with Bob. he was truly one of the good guys and a great friend to have. So many memories. Last time I saw him was at our last class reunion, some years ago at the Serbian Hall in Lansing. I am sorry for your loss you have my deepest condolences. Estelle Snookie Paloma
Martha Teshich
August 30, 2022
To remember +Bobby with a short entry is so difficult. We will remember his exceptional tenor (as a member of that superior tenor section of Sloboda), his devotion to the choir and our parish community , his dedication to preserving our music with his participation in the Serbian Singing Federation serving as President, Board member, and supporter but what his friends will remember is his personality. His wit and humor was endearing as his dry delivery and spontaneous comments left us rolling with laughing . Few people made me laugh as much as +Bobby and some of my favorite times were on choir trips where he kept us in hysterics all with a straight face. The difficulty of losing friends is having to say goodbye but people who are in your life as Bobby was never really leave. The good lives on in our hearts and will be cherished as the best of times we were so blessed to experience in South Chicago and Sloboda. Rest well +Bobby. They are all waiting for you to once again sing, laugh, and love. May Your Memory Always be a Blessing to those who loved you and whose lives you made better.
Joe Orlich
August 30, 2022
Condolences from the Orlich family.
Michael Mendelson
August 30, 2022
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
PJ Samorian
August 29, 2022
Bob Anderson was in a class by himself. He was so instrumental in my development as a young man experiencing the city of Chicago. My heart breaks for Dave and the Anderson family. We have so many great memories of Bob. We will still Jam On Bob Anderson in your honor!!! My thoughts and prayers. PJ
Valerie Backo
August 29, 2022
Bobby will forever be in my heart. Thank you, dear Bobby, for the love, laughter and friendship you gave to me and my family.
Matthew Young
August 29, 2022
Mike I am very sorry to learn of the passing of your father. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Vonnie Orlich
August 29, 2022
There is so much many of us could say about Bobby. Many of my best memories of trips with Sloboda revolve around the humor that only Bob possessed. His dedication to the choir and the SSF cannot be questioned. I was fortunate to have been a first-time delegate to the SSF Convention the year Bob was elected as the president, and I was proud beyond belief.
I offer my deepest sympathies to his brother, Bill, and his sons and their families. Bob will always be remembered and thinking of him will always bring a smile to my face. Memory Eternal, Bob.
Martha Ostoich Teshich
August 29, 2022
Dear David, Steven, Michael and families, Joanie, Billy & Dawn and family, and the extended family and friends that were lucky enough to know and love Bobby,
Although I knew that Bobby was failing it was still a sad moment to get the call that he had passed. Growing up, Sloboda was a huge part of our lives and the members were like family (because most were family or kumovi!). Bobby was a one of those larger than life guys in the choir. His voice was part of that superior tenor section as were his solos in Svatovac, Albanska, and other songs we sang. Whether it was directing us in church, when Cici Adam couldn't in concerts, or just entertaining us on bus trips, he was always there for Sloboda. My memories will forever be laughing hysterically on bus trips, hearing his stories of the old neighborhood in South Chicago, or just a great visit Ljubi and I had with him last year... and the music, always the music. Rest well dear Bobby. You will be missed and remembered always with a smile , a tear when I hear Svatovac, and with great fondness. May His Memory always be a Blessing to you all! Vjecnaja Pamjat!
Love you all, Martha
The Staff of Thornridge Funeral Home
August 31, 2022
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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