In Memory
Robert John Sikorski
August 1, 1933-June 9, 2024
“There are some who bring a light so great to the world that even after they have gone, the light remains.”
Robert John Sikorski passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 9, 2024 surrounded by his family. He was born August 1, 1933 in South Bend, IN to Felix and Rosalia (Ruszkowski) Sikorski who preceded him in death. He married Eileen Ann Salata on March 3, 1962. They were happily married for 34 years before Eileen preceded him in death on October 6, 1996. He later married Lois Leyes on November 14, 2003. She also preceded him in death on June 12, 2017.
Bob was the loving father of Mark Sikorski, Bruce (MG) Sikorski; Roberta (Ron) Szumski, Robyn (Keith) Futa, and Ann (Jeff) Billings. He adored his grandchildren Karianne Scott, Katy (Chase) Newton, Johnny (Jennie) Szumski; Kaitlyn (Travis) Bavar, Joey (Lauren Crandall) Szumski, Kaley Sikorski, Emily (Bruce) Quick, Justin Szumski, Robert Sikorski II, Jacob Szumski, Carson Billings and Chloe Billings and he was the best Dziadzia to Ellie and Bodie Scott, Allyson, Amelia, and Alayna Bavar, and Gracie Newton. Bob is survived by his brother-in-law and sister-in-law Tom and Doris Salata, his step-children and step-grandchildren as well as many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. He was preceded in death by his three brothers Irvin, Clem, and Gene Sikorski, his sister-in-laws Trudy Sikorski, Velma Sikorski, Pat Salata, and Marcie Nowicki, brother-in-law Bob Salata, nephews Jimmy Sikorski and Jeff Salata and his niece Janice Salata. He was also preceded in death by his father-in-law Al Salata and his mother-in-law Frances Salata whom he loved dearly.
Bob is a Veteran of the United States Marine Corps. Bob graduated with a Bachelors and Masters in Education from Ball State University; in addition he accomplished 37 hours toward a Doctorate in Education at Ball State. He touched countless lives through his career in education as a teacher, administrator, and Director of Buildings and Grounds. He started his career in education at Mill Creek Schools of LaPorte County, for 29 years he continued his career with the South Bend Community School Corporation, he ended his career as principal at Saint Thomas the Apostle School in Elkhart. After Bob retired from education he worked at the University of Notre Dame as a Notre Dame Security Police Monitor. Bob loved serving at the University almost as much as he loved Notre Dame football.
Bob was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church. Throughout his lifetime he served on many councils and committees including the National Association of Secondary School Principals, The Saint Joseph County Retired Educators Association, American Legion Post 50, and the Indiana Retired Teachers Association.
Through his example, Bob instilled in those he touched the importance of having a strong faith, maintaining unwavering hope, and most importantly, spreading unconditional love to every life you touch.
As we celebrate Bob’s life, family and friends are invited to visit on Thursday, June 13, 2024 at Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 North Bendix Drive, South Bend, IN, from 2:00-8:00 pm where a rosary service will be held at 4:00 pm. Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, June 14, 2024 at Holy Family Catholic Church, 56405 Mayflower Road, South Bend, IN.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Traditions Hospice who provided loving care for Bob and his family. Contributions can be mailed in Bob’s memory to Traditions Hospice at 3555 Park Place West #100, Mishawaka, IN 46545
06/10/2024 EJS
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