Robert "Bob" James Cousino

Robert “Bob” James Cousino, age 83 of Kentwood, passed away peacefully on January 4, 2026, after a long battle with multiple health issues. Born on July 3, 1942, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Bob grew up with a strong sense of faith and family and a deep love for the outdoors. Each was evident throughout his life.

Bob has been described as a “steadfast Christian.” He looked forward to Sunday church, and, when it became difficult for him to attend in person, he would watch sermons on TV or on his tablet which he fondly referred to as “Bedside Baptist” programs. Bob was encouraging to family and friends through prayer and sound advice when asked. His faith provided him with the assurance of being united with his Heavenly Father.

Bob’s love of family was apparent in all that he did. Bob was born to Fred and Sadie Cousino as the seventh of nine children. Bob was always surrounded by family and enjoyed sharing stories of his childhood in the city. Sledding on Houseman Hill, watching football games at Houseman Field, and riding his bike for hours to visit local parks and bakeries with his brothers and friends defined his childhood days. Bob boasted of his mom’s pie-making skills and maintained his sweet tooth throughout his life. He had a carefree childhood reinforced by strong family bonds.

Bob was married to Bonnie (Lister) in 1963. They lived in Germany while he served in the Army from 1966 to 1968. When Bob returned to Michigan, he resumed work as a tool and die maker at General Motors. After retiring from GM, he worked for Bosch and eventually retired from Bosch as well. Bob was able to provide that same carefree childhood to his four children, raising them in the countryside of Borculo. Kelly, Lisa, Shannon, and Fred enjoyed days by their pond, sledding down the backyard hill and summers camping around West Michigan. Bob also enjoyed his grandkids often attending their sporting and school events. Family was important to Bob.

Bob enjoyed sports and being outdoors. He golfed for several years. On beautiful summer mornings, you could find him on the golf course. Bob was also a football fan. He liked to watch his favorite team, the Detroit Lions (win or lose!). He enjoyed small game hunting and fishing with his brothers and friends. One of his favorite spots to go trout fishing was along the Pere Marquette River. There may be a few tall tales that have resulted from some of his trips!

Bob was an amazing person, and he will be greatly missed. He was welcomed to heaven by his parents Fred Cousino and Sadie Kaleefey; daughter, Lisa Cousino; son-in-law, Jon Block; siblings Eleanor and Jay Wales, Fred and Virginia Cousino, Hal Shaffer, Edith Cousino, Evie Miner, and Andy Collins. Bob is survived by his children Kelly and Matt Brittain, Shannon and Jay Reil, and Fred and Carrie Cousino; and siblings, Mary Shaffer, Jack Miner, Ron and Ann Cousino, Judee Collins, and Diane Ashton. Known as “Grumpa,” Bob is also survived by his grandchildren Monica Block, Jacqui (Doug) Buskard, Chelsea (Nick) Lyons, TJ (Kyle) Bestrom, Sam (Reggie) Bailey, Sadie (Eric) Delawder, Tyler Brands (Chenery Weberg), Joe Block (Elena Perkins), Luke Cousino, Lauren Brittain, and Paige Cousino. Bob also loved being a “Grumpa Great” to Millie, Jay, Carter, and Louie.

Bob embodied the adage of a faithful servant and a true family man. Services for Bob will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, January 10, 2026, with visitation from 10 -11 a.m., at Bauer Community Fellowship Church (4852 Bauer Rd., Hudsonville, MI 49426). There will be a luncheon following the service. Please consider a donation to Bauer Community Fellowship Church in memory of Bob. The family welcomes memories and messages at www.cookcaresgrandville.com in their guestbook online.