Robert M. "Bob" Budacki

 Robert (Bob) Matthew Budacki passed away, leaving his earthly home on August 4, 2018. The only child of Matthew and Edna Budacki, he was born in Chicago Illinois on August 10, 1928. He was the Beloved husband for 65 years to the late Virginia L. (Ginny); loving father of Robert L. (Joni) Budacki and Barbara A. (William) Babyar; loving grandfather of Matthew (Kristy) Budacki, Joel (Sarah) Budacki, Amanda (Alexander) Bell, Julie Babyar, Jeanette (Christopher) Ferguson and Megin Budacki; fond great grandfather of Ryan, Ian, Farren, Samuel, Eleanor and Zachary.

After attending Mary Lyon Elementary School, Bob graduated from Steinmetz High School in 1946. Bob served as a member of the ROTC all 4 years of high school. Having begun steel guitar lessons at the age of 14, Bob auditioned and was hired as a professional steel guitar musician for the Sherman Hayes band upon graduation from high school. He played with the band traveling throughout the country for the next 5 years under the stage name of “Bob Matthews”. In 1951, Bob decided to “settle down” and returned to Chicago. He began working at Automatic Electric Company (GTE) in production/quality control management where he met and married the Love of his Life, Ginny in July, 1952. Bob retired from GTE in 1979 continuing to work and ultimately retiring in 1993 after working 10 years at Motorola Company in Schaumburg. Although, he was no longer a member of the Sherman Hayes band, music continued to remain an integral part of Bob’s life. In the early 60’s, Bob resumed playing steel guitar in a local band of which he helped form called the “Knights of Rhythm”, playing weekend gigs around the Chicagoland area. Bob retired from the Knights of Rhythm in 1975 but continued to enjoy, perform and share his musical abilities with family and friends for the remainder of his years.

In addition to music, Bob enjoyed watching old movies, especially musicals. Both he and his wife, Ginny enjoyed Chicago sports. They were both avid Chicago Cubs fans and were ecstatic to be able to watch the Cubs win the World Series in 2016.

Bob was a man of highest character who loved his wife and family dearly. Above all, he loved the Lord Jesus Christ, his personal Savior.

While being profoundly missed by friends and family, they take comfort in the assurance that Bob is now rejoicing in his permanent Heavenly home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Journey Care Hospice of Barrington would be greatly appreciated. Address: 405 N. Lake Zurich Road, Barrington, IL 60010.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 18, 2018 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM with a  Service to begin at 11:00 AM at the Willow Funeral Home, 1415 W. Algonquin Rd., (one mile east of Randall Rd.) Algonquin/Lake in the Hills. with the Rev. Greg Hugeley. officiating. Interment to follow at Windridge Memorial Park, Cary, IL. For additional information  (847) 458-1700 or an on-line condolance may be expressed at www.willowfh.com

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