Robert Rodak

Dr. Robert Rodak of Forest Park, Illinois, formerly of Erie, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on October 3rd, 2024, after a battle with Parkinson's Disease. He leaves behind a legacy of compassion and commitment to his family.
Rob was born on May 2nd, 1954, in Edinboro, PA to Richard and Aimee (Doucette) Rodak. While earning a degree in Nursing from Edinboro University, he met Margaret Egan, his dedicated wife of 46 years. After five years of advocating and caring for his patients as a nurse, Rob followed his dreams and returned to school, attending Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine to become a Family Medicine physician. He spent the next several decades caring for the community of Erie, PA. Affectionately known to many as "Dr. Rob," he treated his patients as people: listening to their concerns, offering support, and respecting their dignity. Rob's passion for Family Medicine extended to his involvement with the Pennsylvania Academy of Family Physicians where he served as President.
Community was also important to Rob. He coached the local recreation soccer league when his girls were younger and was a member of the Fairview School District School Board. Rob was a longtime parishioner at St. Jude's Roman Catholic Church while in Erie. After moving to Chicago, he became a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. Rob cherished lifelong friendships, with many of those friends becoming family.
While Rob cherished his role as a physician and was active in the community, he was most proud of and committed to his family and friends. He and Margaret had two daughters, Sarah (Bob) Johnson of La Grange, IL and Dr. Katie (Jeff) Freeman of Kennett Square, PA. During the girls' school years, Rob was a staple on the sidelines of their games and was proud of the hard work his daughters exhibited in choosing their careers in law and medicine. Rob was an amazing PapPap to his grandsons (Andrew and Conor Johnson) and granddaughter (Eleanor Freeman), providing his three grandchildren with an endless supply of love and patience.
In addition to being survived by his wife, Margaret, children, and grandchildren, Rob is also survived by his sister Rhonda (Richard) Kurczewski, sister-in-law Terry (Randy) Rodak and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Ronnie (2006), Randy (2008), and Rick (2011).
In lieu of flowers, it was Rob's wish to have donations made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation (give.michaeljfox.org) or the Erie Humane Society (eriehumanesociety.org).
The family will receive visitors at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 1025 West 55th Street, Countryside, IL, on Sunday, October 6th, 2004, from 2 to 5 in the evening. A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, October 7th, 2024, at 10 a.m. at St. Cletus Catholic Church, 600 West 55th Street, La Grange, IL. In addition, the family will host a springtime celebration of life in Erie, PA with details to be provided closer to the date.