Obituary of Robert Malo

Robert (Bob) Malo, 87, of Beach Park, IL passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on February 5, 2022. Bob was born in Barberton, Ohio where he lived until leaving for college. In 1953, he enlisted in the Air Force and was stationed in Bermuda, where he met his wife, Jeanne Ernest, a nurse from Canada. They married in London, Ontario in 1956 and celebrated 65 years of marriage last October. After graduating from Heidelberg College with a psychology degree, he later earned his Master’s degree in Social Work at Michigan State University and thereafter was a lifelong Spartan fan. His social work career spanned three decades, much of which was spent working for the Dept. of the Navy at Great Lakes where he was the founder and head of the Family Advocacy Department. If you were planning an event, you would have wanted Bob on your invitation list. He was a presence in any room, a master at telling stories and jokes, an excellent prankster and an entertaining MC at many family weddings. No one will forget his humorous phrases and sayings. Bob will also be remembered for his willingness to help any family member or friend when needed, including fellow veterans who required assistance securing benefits. Bob was an avid fisherman, a hobby which he shared with family members and friends, making many fishing trips to Canada starting in the 1960s. Going on fly-in fishing trips with his son, sons-in-law and grandsons was one of the highlights. He loved to watch sports (especially Chicago teams), both on TV and in person, and never missed attending any of his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting and music events or activities. Bob also enjoyed traveling, including a two-month camping trip across Alaska with his wife to celebrate his retirement. He and Jeanne spent many winters in Florida. His last big trip was in October to see the Chicago Bears play in Tampa. Anywhere he visited, he would seek out a beer, the local VFW, and live music for entertainment. Left to cherish his memory is the family that he loved: his wife, Georgina (Jeanne) and his five children: Sue (Greg) Stevens, Sandy (Julius) Araujo, Joe (Karen) Malo, Michelle (Ray) Menges and Amy Franks (Tom Selear). He will be fondly remembered as Papa to his seven grandchildren: Dan (Ashley) Roche, Ryan (Danica) Malo, Tom Stevens, Katie Franks, Rachel (Carl) Slater, Ali Franks, and Riley Menges and four great grandchildren who brought him immeasurable joy: Jameson, Bentley, Harper and Theo. He is also survived by his sister, Susan Hunter, of Ohio, a large extended family including those in Canada and many friends across the country. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Juanita (Zike) Malo. There will be no services at this time, but a celebration of Bob’s amazing life will be held at a future date. The family wishes to thank his physicians and Advocate Hospice for their care. Donations to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium in Bob’s name (a non-profit rescue/rehab/release facility that he frequently visited) or the American Heart Association would be welcomed.