Robert Edward Wolanin

Robert Edward “Bob” Wolanin, 84, from the Magnolia Crossing neighborhood of Sun City in Bluffton, South Carolina passed away on August 5, 2021, at Hilton Head Hospital in Hilton Head, SC.

A mass of remembrance will be held on Saturday, October 2, 2021, at 10:30 AM at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church located at 31 St. Gregory Dr., Okatie, SC 29909.  In addition, a mass of remembrance will also be held on November 20, 2021, at St. Walter’s Catholic Church in Roselle, IL  60172.

Bob was born in East Chicago, Indiana on May 1, 1937, and was the middle child of three children born to Joseph and Jeanette.  Bob attended Technical Vocational High School in Hammond, Indiana and graduated in 1955.  Following graduation, Bob continued his interest in the steel industry when he was accepted into the apprenticeship program at Blaw-Knox Steel Mill.  He worked for 6 months before deciding to join the Navy on January 2, 1956, in which he honorably served until 1959. Bob was very proud of his choice to serve his country and talked about how much he enjoyed his Navy experience especially the countless lifelong friendships he formed.  After the Navy, Bob returned to Blaw-Knox to complete his apprenticeship and became a Journeyman Machinist for the next 10 years.  In 1969, Bob, along with eight Inland Steel co-workers, decided that they wanted to utilize their skills to teach what they knew about the steel industry and attended Indiana State University to earn a degree in Vocational Education.  With lighting speed, Bob earned both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Vocational Education in only two and a half years!  In 1971, Bob along with his family, decided to move to Roselle, IL and began his teaching career at Proviso East High School in Maywood, IL. He continued teaching until 1976 when he accepted a position with the Illinois State Board of Education.  Bob’s responsibilities included monitoring vocational education programs and funding for high schools in six suburban counties in Illinois. Bob was also one of the first in his field who was instrumental in starting the statewide Machine Trade Contest. In 1991, after twenty successful years in education, Bob decided to retire.

Bob loved being retired and was very fortunate to enjoy retirement for 30 years. He enjoyed it so much that he tried to encourage everyone to retire at an early age. Trying to make the most of his new-found time, Bob joined the Knights of Columbus at St. Walter’s Catholic Church.  He was very active with the Knights and enjoyed it so much he eventually became a Grand Knight.  As noted above, Bob was proud of his Navy career on the USS Orion and made sure to stay in touch with his fellow crewmates and assisted others in planning the annual “ships reunion”. Being a Navy man Bob loved boating and fishing but also found time to play golf with Gloria.  Getting tired of only being able to enjoy these activities part of the year in Illinois, Bob and Gloria decided to purchase a condo in Port Richey, Florida near his brother and sister-in-law Gene & Marge.  While living on an inlet on the gulf both Gloria and Bob were able to enjoy these activities year-round as well as viewing the beautiful sunsets from their lanai.  Shortly after Gloria retired from teaching and having spent twenty-six years in their Roselle, IL home, they decided to purchase a condo in Antioch, IL on the Chain O’ Lakes and officially became “snowbirds”.  In 2017, they decided to sell both homes and relocate to Sun City, Bluffton, SC where they have enjoyed not only the warm weather but establishing new friendships and living close to Gloria’s brother and sister-in-law in a beautiful retirement community.

Everyone that knew Bob knew that he was a football fanatic! The only thing that surpassed Bob’s love for football (especially the Chicago Bears and Notre Dame) was his love for God and his family and friends.  He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather all of which brought much joy and blessings into his life.  He will be missed dearly but is leaving everyone with wonderful memories and times to treasure.

Bob is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Jeanette (Jaremski) Wolanin; two brothers Andrew and Gene, Daughter Diane and Granddaughter Danielle. He is survived by the love of his life his wife of 46 years Gloria (Talbott) Wolanin, Daughter Roberta Infanti (Michael), Grandchildren Benjamin (Patti), Samuel (Lauren), Nathan, Dominic, Hannah, and Jacob, Daughter Denise Wolanin and grandchildren Gianna and Hunter.  Great grandchildren:  Audrey, Charlotte, Lydia, Siennah and Lucca

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the charity of your choice in memory of Robert Edward Wolanin.

The family invites friends to please leave memories of Robert on his Tribute Wall above.

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