Bruce C. Theobald

Born in Evanston, Illinois to Henry Edward Theobald and Virginia Yvonne Breaux Theobald, Bruce lived a life rich with curiosity, love, and accomplishment. He is now reunited with his parents and with the love of his life, Maria Ciobra.

Bruce followed his many passions with determination and heart. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Real Estate Finance from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1979, where he also completed the Commercial Pilot Training Program—a reflection of his love for both numbers and adventure. Years later, driven by an eagerness to keep learning and growing, he went on to earn his Juris Doctor from The John Marshall Law School in Chicago, graduating in 1996.

With an entrepreneurial spirit and a deep knowledge of Chicago’s real estate landscape, Bruce founded Lakefront Realty Group, Inc. in 2003. As owner and Managing Broker, he became a trusted expert in Lincoln Park, Old Town, and Lakeview, helping countless first-time buyers and seasoned investors find their place in the city he loved. Ageless in his professional endeavors, he was an active real estate investor, educator, and published author—passionately sharing his expertise through publications and video courses.

Outside of work, Bruce truly embraced life, bringing energy, charm, and passion to everything he did. A lover of good music (especially Frank Sinatra and Barry White), great food (Greek and Italian were his favorites), and sunshine on the water, he spent much of his free time boating out of Chicago’s Diversey Harbor. He traveled the world with his parents in his younger years and held friendships that lasted a lifetime.

Bruce shared 27 wonderful years with his partner, Maria Ciobra, who passed away in January 2024. In the year since her passing, Bruce was lovingly cared for and supported by his family, who was by his side until the end.

Bruce’s greatest legacy lies not only in his achievements, but in the lives, he touched—with his wisdom, and his unmistakable warmth. Bruce’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him—his friends, colleagues, clients, and family.

Bruce is survived by his beloved family, including his nieces and nephew—Victoria, Vivienne, Cristina, Bianca, Adela, Kelsey, and Bogdan—who brought him immense pride and joy. He is also survived by his caring brothers- and sisters-in-law: Costel, Viorel, Vasile and Emilia, Adriana, Elena, and Valeria, as well as his dear cousins Joanne, Debbie, and Carol. Their love and support were a constant in his life, and he held each of them close to his heart.

A visitation will be held on Monday, June 23, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Drake & Son Funeral Home, 5303 North Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60625.

A funeral service will take place on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at 10:00 AM at the funeral home, with burial to follow at Eden Memorial Park, 9851 Irving Park Rd, Schiller Park, IL 60176.

A luncheon reception will be held at The Great Escape Restaurant, 9540 W Irving Park Rd, Schiller Park, IL 60176.