Obituary of Robert Stephen Pawlak
Robert “Bob” Stephen Pawlak, age 88, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at St. Joseph Hospital. He was born on January 9, 1938, in Chicago, IL, to the late Stephen and Aurelia Pawlak.
Bob grew up in Chicago and graduated from Saint Mel High School. He later attended classes at University of Chicago. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army. After his service, Bob enjoyed a long and dedicated career with Crown Cork & Seal, where he worked for 35+ years as a production scheduler before retiring.
Faith was central to Bob’s life. A devout catholic, he was strong in his faith and led by example. He lived a servant’s life—always available to his family, his children’s school and parish while they were growing up, and his community. Bob volunteered generously and devoted much of his time to community and church functions, embodying the values of service and compassion.
Above all, Bob loved his family more than anything. He was ever-present in the lives of his children and always attended their activities, offering steady support, encouragement, and love. Those who knew him will remember him as kind, loving, generous, and faith-filled, and they will remember his infectious smile.
Bob is survived by his children, Michel (Tom Ritchey) Pawlak, Melanie Czerwinski, and Micheal (Linda) Pawlak; grandchildren, Brianna Rosario, Nicolas (Fatima) Czerwinski, and Jacob (fiancé Maggie Murphy) Czerwinski, Robert and Jered Pawlak; his two great-grandsons, Aidan and Mateo Rosario; and one sister, Leona Pawlak. He is also survived by his canine companion, “Loki” as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Pawlak; his parents; one sister, Charlotte Tovey; his two brothers, Norbert and Stephen Pawlak; and niece, Julie (Tovey) Laschober.
Funeral Services for Robert Stephen Pawlak will be held on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, from the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd., Joliet, IL, to Holy Family Catholic Church, where a mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery with full military honors held under the auspices of the United States Army and the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery Memorial Squad. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at the funeral home chapel from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.
In the last year of his life, it was extremely difficult for Bob to attend Mass in person, so he often participated in the televised Sunday Mass from Holy Name Cathedral Chicago from home. This was a God send for him. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his name to The Archdiocese of Chicago's broadcast ministry which brings the Mass to homebound individuals.
For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.
