Deacon Robert “Bob” Kaminski
February 3, 1936 – December 25, 2022
Deacon Robert (Bob) S. Kaminski, 86, of Mokena Illinois, took flight as an angel in the early morning hours of Christmas day. The past two years he bravely fought against increasingly declining health. He remained positive, optimistic, maintained his sense of humor and struggled without complaint. He continued to inspire all who had the privilege to know him. He believed his suffering was a conduit to his Lord and Saviour and his faith continued to strengthen as his body weakened. While in great pain he would cry tears of joy for the immeasurable love God has for us all. He was honored to have time to prepare his heart and soul for the ultimate reward of meeting Jesus face to face. He left nothing unsaid to those he loved. His transition was peaceful, with his eldest son, Bob, by his side when God’s perpetual light shined upon him. For this final gift of grace, we are grateful.
Born February 3, 1936 in Youngstown, Ohio to Stanley and Agnes (Javorsky) Kaminski, Bob was the oldest of 3 children, the late Victor Kaminski and his surviving sister, Agnes Rita Zajak of Youngstown. He became “Dad” at the tender age of 10 when his father left his mother to raise them alone. Times were tough. He’d smile coyly when sharing stories of his humble childhood, how he’d hop the train that ran through the back yard to steal meat for supper and how he raised pigeons to help pay household bills. He had great admiration for the struggles of his young mother and credited her for his strong foundation of love and faith.
Bob graduated from Ursuline High School in 1954 and earned his Bachelor of Chemical Engineering Degree from Youngstown State in 1961. He began his career at American Metallurgical Company in New Castle, PA. From 1962-1975 he was employed at Brush Beryllium in Elmore, OH. In 1975 he joined S.K. Wellman in Bedford, OH as Vice President of Operations. In 1980 he purchased Classic Aluminum Trailers in Chagrin Falls, OH. In 1981 he assumed the duties of Vice President of Operations for Janesville Products. In 1983 he was promoted to President of Continental Midland Inc. in Park Forest, IL. In 1986 the company was struggling to succeed. With a strong belief in the employees, his own abilities, and in an effort to save local manufacturing jobs, he purchased CMI. His 3 children proudly joined him in the journey to grow the company. In 2014 the company was sold and he retired.
Life was filled with travel, laughter, sporting events, grandchildren’s activities, golf, relaxing with family and friends and simply being present in the moment. He was generous with both his time and his talent serving on various boards and mentoring many.
Bob was a man of immense faith. He was ordained a Catholic Deacon in the Diocese of Joliet on Sept. 8, 2001. He was a devoted and beloved member of Saint Mary’s Catholic Church of Mokena where he continued to minister in any way needed until his most recent illness.
Bob’s greatest joy was his family and his greatest love, his high school sweetheart and “bride” of 65 years, Mary Ann (Bell) Kaminski. Her unwavering love, loyalty and dedication to him was the human rock on which he stood. He told everyone, “I am who I am today, because she believed in me and loved me with a love beyond measure.”
He is also survived by their three children, Robert M (Debbie) Kaminski of Michigan, Janice Marie of Florida and David M. (Charlie) Kaminski of Illinois. He is the cherished Grandfather to Jennifer (Michael) Hudek, Ashley (John) Page, Lyndsey (Ryan) Easton, Shelby Kaminski, Chelsey Kaminski, Abbey Kaminski, David Kaminski Jr. and Christopher Kaminski. He is the beloved Great Grandfather to Madison Hudek, Carrie Hudek, Rylin Hudek, Zachary Hudek, Johnny Page, Sloane Easton and Ollie Page.
We are deeply honored to be Deacon Bob’s family and grateful for the legacy of love and faith he has left with us. Our hearts are broken but we also celebrate the well lived life of this “good and faithful servant.” We know if you are reading this he touched your heart in some special way….that’s just what he did. We hear him saying, “Peace, Love and All Good Things.”
The family requests in lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to St. Mary’s Mokena, IL or Light of Hearts Villa 283 Union St. Cleveland, OH 44146
Lying in repose will be held on Tuesday, January 03, 2023 from 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM at St. Mary Catholic Church, 19515 115th Avenue, Mokena, IL. 60448. Mass of the Christian Burial to be held Wednesday, January 04, 2023, 11:00 AM at St. Mary Catholic Church. Interment to follow in St. Mary Cemetery – Mokena. Arrangements entrusted to Vandenberg Funeral Home – Mokena, 708-479-1210.
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January 4, 2023 – 11:00am cst
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