Robert Joseph Walsh

Age 72, of Coal City, Illinois, died Saturday, January 18, 2025, at his home.

Born October 26, 1952, in Joliet, Illinois, Bob was the son of Kenneth and Elsie (Unger) Walsh. He was raised and educated in Coal City and graduated from Coal City High School with the class of 1970. On June 24, 1978, he married the love of his life, Susan at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Roman Catholic Church in Coal City, and together they shared 46 years of marriage.

His career began immediately after graduation and never truly stopped. Bob started his professional journey at Fluor Construction, Reichhold Chemical, and Wolven TV + Appliance, gaining a wealth of experience before branching out on his own. In 1986, he founded Walsh Appliance Repair, quickly becoming a trusted figure in the community.  He was the first-person people called when things went wrong with their appliances. No matter the time of day or night, Bob was always there to lend a hand, offering his services with unmatched generosity and dedication. His reputation for reliability and kindness was well-known, and he became a beloved fixture in the lives of many; whether it be fixing an appliance or providing much needed additional space at The Diamond Self Storage.

Outside of his work, Bob had a deep love for sports, particularly his local Chicago teams. He was an avid supporter of the Bears and the White Sox, always keeping up with their games and cheering them on. Sports weren’t his only interest, though. Bob also relished spending quality time with his family at the Coal City Area Club, where they created many cherished memories. He had a deep appreciation for the outdoors, and as an avid hunter and fisherman, he often spent afternoons enjoying nature. Whether casting a line or simply enjoying the peace of the outdoors, those moments were precious to him.

Above all, Bob's family was his greatest joy. He was a proud father and an even prouder grandfather, always attending his grandchildren’s extracurricular activities, particularly their sports events. To his family, Bob was more than just a relative—he was a steadfast, generous, and fun-loving figure, someone they could always count on. His dependability, compassion, and selflessness were qualities that defined him, making him not just a loved one, but a true gentleman in every sense of the word. He was the kind of person who would drop everything to help others, and his legacy is one of kindness, loyalty, and unwavering support. 

Survivors include his wife, Susan Walsh of Coal City; two children: Kelli (Peter) Ogrodnik, Christopher (Allison) Walsh; five grandchildren: Madeline Ogrodnik, Peter Ogrodnik, John Ogrodnik, Harrison Walsh, Ace Walsh; one mother-in-law: Gloria Zerboglio; one sister: Ann Stansberry; two sisters-in-law: Lori (John) Halliday, Julie (Darren) Stiles, and numerous nieces and nephews, as well as several cousins.

Bob is preceded in death by his parents; one brother: Kenneth (Murphy) Walsh; his father-in-law: Robert Zerboglio; one brother-in-law: Robert Stansberry, Jr. 

The family will receive friends for a visitation at Reeves Funeral Home, 75 North Broadway Street (one block north of Illinois Route 113), in Coal City on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., and again on Thursday morning January 23, 2025 at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Roman Catholic Church, 195 S. Kankakee Street in Coal City from 10:00 a.m. until time of funeral service 11:00 a.m.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated with Father Josh Miller presiding and Deacon William Dunn assisting. 

Pallbearers will be: Adam Walsh, Davis Walsh, Kyle Halliday, Colin Stiles, Peter Ogrodnik and Bobby Stansberry, III. Honorary Pallbearers will be: Earl Fatlan, Ed Unger, David McCluckie, and Raymond Berta.

Cremation rites will be accorded following the services, and a private inurnment will take place at a later date. 

Preferred memorials may be made out to Lightways Hospice or to Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Roman Catholic Church. 

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.ReevesFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Bob’s memorial page online through social media.

Funeral services and memorial arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory in Coal City. (815-634-2125)