Robert is survived by his sisters, Cynthia (the late Joseph) Arnone and Janice (Larry) Golitko, and his nieces and nephews, Donna (Greg) Harris, Craig (Katherine Hufnagel) Arnone, and Andrew (Ashley) Golitko. He was also a proud great-uncle to Ashley, Hailey, Brandon, Nick, Savannah, Brooklyn, Ella, Joseph, Brittyn, Xander, and Maverick, and a great-great-uncle to Lucca, Lorenzo, Luna, Nora, and Wyatt.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Casimira Kadzielewski, and his niece, Jill Golitko Saputo.
Robert, also known to many as “Bob” or “Kadz” was an entrepreneur with many careers and skills. After graduating from Notre Dame High School, he pursued electrical training and quickly developed a reputation as someone who could fix or build anything. Much of his knowledge was self-taught, and he became highly skilled in carpentry, electrical work, plumbing, remodeling, woodworking, car repair, and building and remodeling homes.
In his late twenties, Robert moved to Texas, where he began building homes and later opened a solar lighting business. He also worked as a general contractor for McDonald’s, building play yard mazes, a job that took him traveling across the United States and overseas.
Eventually, Robert returned to Michigan, where he began purchasing homes and remodeling them as rental properties. Over time, he owned homes in Michigan, Tennessee, and Florida.
Robert made his home in a log cabin in Byrdstown, Tennessee, on Dale Hollow Lake. He loved being surrounded by nature, especially the trees, colorful autumn leaves, fresh fruits and vegetables, and the peace and quiet of the countryside.
During his time there, Robert found a lost dog he named Soma, who became his faithful companion and went everywhere with him until the dog passed away. Later, Loretta came into his life and became a caring girlfriend who helped him through various health issues. He especially appreciated her Southern cooking.
Robert truly lived life on his own terms. A free spirit and “spur of the moment guy”, he never wanted a traditional nine-to-five job or a rigid schedule. He was known for changing plans at the last minute.
Robert loved his boat and being on the water. If the sun was shining, it was a boat day—not a workday.
He loved traveling and always had new adventures in mind. His bucket list included visiting Greece and exploring the American West.
Robert was also always searching for the next investment opportunity or the next great bargain. Frugal by nature, he had an incredible ability to turn scraps of building materials into something useful, and his collection of building supplies was famously extensive. He was a very skilled and hardworking man.
Robert valued family, friends, and holiday traditions. He maintained close relationships with many childhood friends, classmates from Notre Dame High School, and many other friends he made throughout his life’s journey.
In State will be held at St. Paul of Tarsus Church, 41300 Romeo Plank Road, on Monday, March 16, 2026, from 9:30 am to 10:00 am. The Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 am.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in support of the family or to the American Heart Association in memory of Robert.
American Heart Association
PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284
https://www2.heart.org/site/SPageServer?pagename=%2Fsem_lp
