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BORN
1941
DIED
2020
Robert Piekarczyk Obituary
'BIG BOB' PIEKARCZYK, 79
LAKELAND - Robert 'Big Bob' Piekarczyk, 79, passed away peacefully the morning of December 29, 2020, at Lakeland Regional Hospital. His generous life was cut short by the effects of COVID.
Born November 18, 1941, Bob was a 'southside' Chicago native at heart but adopted Lakeland as his home in 2011. He made many friends here, immersing himself in 'seniors' classes, joining dance groups, and volunteering and supporting many organizations, such as Catholic Church ministries, Lakeland Community Theatre, and Imperial Symphony Orchestra. He also came out of retirement to become a proud Friday popcorn server for Mid-Florida Credit Union.
The son of Joseph and Ann Piekarczyk (both deceased), Bob was a salt of the earth, blue collar worker, holding positions not limited to truck driver, building superintendent, warehouse worker, and self-employed window washer. He loved to try new things, whether a new restaurant or traveling, having organized group cruises and visiting Australia twice.
He is survived by his daughter, Michelle (Chris) Bradley of Lakeland; son, Robert (Teresa) Hillier of Lakeland; granddaughter, Nicole Bradley of Lakeland; step-grand-children, Jacquelyn Benoit of New Port Richey, Jennifer (Chip) Mills of Bartow, and Matthew Benoit of Lakeland; step-great-granddaughter, Caitlin Galloway of Bartow; brother, Joseph (Agnes) Piekarczyk of Wheaton, IL; a nephew; and, many cousins.
Funeral Mass will be held 11 am on January 30, 2021, at St Anthony's Catholic Church, 820 Marcum Rd, Lakeland, FL 33809.
For those unable to attend in person, the Mass will be live-streamed via
www.saintacc.com/church-web-cam-1. Memorial donations: Imperial Symphony Orchestra, PO Box 2623, Lakeland, FL 33806.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Piekarczyk
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Janice carmody
January 27, 2021
Robert, his love to do things, his sincere smile, his love of friendships, his heart to be kind, embraced his nickname "big Bob". Sweet memories of Bob participating with ASCEND, new horizons, other groups. To his family, may God give comfort, heart healing peace,. With sympathy, janice carmody
Mary
January 18, 2021
Big Bob was a nice man, and always sweet to me. We will remember him fondly.
Nancy + Harold
January 18, 2021
We will miss Bob’s welcoming smile and hugs at out Senior Thursday morning dance. God’s blessing to all of you.
Jan Royer
January 17, 2021
We loved seeing Big Bob's smiling face at our Thursday morning dances. So fly high, Big Bob, and dance with the angels!
Christa M Bonk
January 17, 2021
Rest in peace, I didn't see you often, but liked youd sense of humor.
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