Robert Ponzetti

Robert Albert Ponzetti, age 86, died peacefully at home on December 21, 2021, from lymphoma.

He is predeceased by his brothers Bill and Paul, his sister-in-law Joyce, his brother-in-law Robert, and his grandson Bryan.

He is survived by Lois, his loving wife of 33 years; his brother Jack; his sisters-in-law Elizabeth and Denise; his children, Susann, Robert, Annette, and Jeanne; his stepsons, Mike, Rick, Ron, and Dan; his son-in-law and daughters-in-law; and many affectionate grandchildren, great grandchildren, nephews, and nieces.

Bob was born in Chicago on November 27, 1935, to Paul and Emma Ponzetti, and his energy quickly earned him the nickname “Boopsie.” He graduated from Lane Technical School in 1953 and went on to receive an MBA from Northwestern University. Throughout his career in business management, Bob traveled extensively, with memorable visits to Europe and the Middle East. He possessed a lifelong curiosity and broad interests, including history, economics, philosophy, and languages. He had a particular passion for World War II history.

Bob was an avid sailor, happiest on the water with his sailboat Magic Monkey . He also loved fishing, Long Island Sound, the Cubs, cars and motorcycles, fixing things, detective novels, Apple Canyon Lake, and “grandpa duty.” In retirement, Bob and Lois wintered in Florida, enjoying boating, beaches, and hosting friends and family.

In the “best dream of his life,” Bob drives his 1950 Ford convertible through Chicago with the top down and the wind in his face.

A memorial service will be held at Sax-Tiedemann Funeral Home in Franklin Park on May 21, 2022, from 10 a.m. to noon. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital (https://www.stjude.org) or the American Cancer Society (https://www.cancer.org/involved/donate.html).