Obituary published on Legacy.com by Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons, Inc. - Shelby Township on Nov. 17, 2025.
Robert "Bob" Molnar returned to our Lord on November 16, 2025. Born in Mount Clemens, Michigan, in 1946, Robert was raised by his parents, Andrew and Anne Molnar. The first few
years of Robert's life, the family lived in East Detroit before moving to Clinton Township, where they lived in a house built by his father. He was brought up to have a hard work ethic and to
value his Catholic faith, which followed him throughout his whole life.
During his school years, he briefly attended St. Mary's before attending Wolf Road Elementary (which later became Clintondale Elementary School). His family attended St. Thecla Catholic Church, where he was an altar server. He was proud to be present as they broke ground on St. Thecla Catholic School in 1959. He was always eager to lend a helping hand to family and friends throughout his childhood, especially while working as a paperboy.
Upon graduating from Clintondale High School in 1964, he continued to work in various manual labor jobs. He worked on the line at Pontiac Motors, drove delivery trucks in Detroit for his uncle, and served in the Army National Guard for six years when the riots broke out in Detroit. In 1968, he was hired by the Clinton Township Fire Department, where he served in various capacities, including Pipeman, Sergeant, Fire Inspector, and Fire Marshal. Just days after retiring from the Fire Department in 1997, Bob continued working for the Clinton Township Building Department and DuPont Automotive until the recession in 2008.
In 1979, Bob met Vickie, who would be the love of his life. They settled in
Shelby Township, MI, in 1988, after getting married. It was there that they welcomed their two children, Brian and Bridget, shortly afterward. Being a dad was the pride and joy of Bob's life. He provided for his family in all the ways God called him. He displayed immense trust in the Lord through all the joys and difficulties of life. He was present as a leader of his son's Boy Scout troop and had the opportunity to backpack in Alaska twice, an experience he would recount throughout his life. He was present for his daughter by being there for her many extracurricular activities. He always beamed with love and pride at his children's accomplishments.
In 2002, Bob was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. He had a decades-long battle with the disease as it spread throughout his body for the next 23 years. He carried this cross with strength and would always say, "It's just another speed bump" when there was a setback. The family is grateful to his team of doctors who kept him alive to be present for all of life's events over this time.
If there is any way to honor Bob's life, it would be to seek God, go to church, and take your family with you.
Robert is survived by his devoted wife, Victoria; his loving children, Brian (Kara) Molnar and Bridget (Michael) McQuillen; his adoring grandchildren, Taytum Robert, Josephina Victoria, and Blakely Ann; his sisters, Eleanor and Kathleen; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Anne Molnar; his brother-in-law, Nickolas Zizzi; and his nephew, Christopher Zizzi.
Robert will lie in state on Saturday, November 22nd, at 9:30am-10:00am with the funeral Mass at 10:00am-11:00am at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 54045 Schoenherr Rd,
Shelby Township, MI. A luncheon will follow at Detroit Fish House Steak and Oyster Bar, 51195 Schoenherr Road,
Shelby Township, MI 48315.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the
American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741.
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