Robert Bob R. Zemar

Robert R. Zemar was a smart, hard working, generous man who loved to treat people to a good time and had a “stick to it” attitude that brought him great success in achieving his goals. He lived to see his dream come true, rising from apprentice elevator mechanic in 1965 to becoming an owner of Gallaher & Speck Elevator Company in 1991.

Born to Helen and Raymond Zemar in 1947, Bob was raised in Chicago with his two younger siblings, Raymond and Donna. He was brought up to be self-confident and dependable. These were traits that would serve him well throughout his life. As a youngster, he loved to swim and play in Little League baseball.

He attended Tilden Technical High School and enjoyed wrestling and football and drafting and shop classes.

After high school, Bob enrolled in the International Union of Elevator Constructors Local #2 School where he earned his mechanics card. For 43 years he worked at G&S, enjoying his job and earning the respect and admiration of all who knew him. He was an excellent mechanic, a gifted troubleshooter, and a fair and diligent owner who prided himself on customer service. He was so proud of G&S.

In 1971 he moved to Lisle where he met his longtime dear friend Deirdre O'Malley and they established Maintenancefest, an appreciation party for his employees. It turned into a large annual event that everyone looked forward to and grew to include neighbors, friends, and family. Bob always loved to see people have a good time.

Bob loved to work on home projects and had a genius for finding solutions to seemingly impossible tasks. He liked to think that there was nothing that couldn't be done. His home was so well maintained and filled with extensive modifications for practical applications. Whenever neighbors or friends needed help, they knew Bob would there right away to assist them and would not quit until the job was completed. He really enjoyed helping out others and working with his tools.

He loved his family, friends, fishing, horseshoes, his Weber grill. his Old Style cooler, the Chicago Bears and his yard. One of his favorite activities was to join his pals at Andy's and Rayme's. He had so many good friends, neighbors, family and coworkers. He liked to help others and was always grateful for the help he received.

Robert R. Zemar passed away on September 19, 2010 at home in Lisle. He was a loving, loyal, smart, dependable, trustworthy, hard working generous man with a great sense of humor whom everyone could count on and he will be deeply missed.

Robert R. Zemar, age 62, loving brother of Raymond (Sally) Zemar and Donna (Gary) Hawkey; beloved friend of Deirdre O’Malley; fond uncle of Raymond Zemar III, Christina (Mark) Arndt, Carolyn Zemar, and Holden Hawkey; great uncle of Michael Calderone and Tatum Rae Arndt; long time member of IUEC Local #2. Owner of Gallaher & Speck Elevator Co. Visitation Wednesday, September 22, 2010 from 3-9 pm at Blake-Lamb Funeral Home, 5015 Lincoln Ave. (on Rt. 53, ½ mile south of Ogden Ave.) Lisle, where funeral services will begin Thursday, September 23, 2010 at 10:30 am and proceed to St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church for Mass 11:15 am. Interment Resurrection Cemetery, Justice, Illinois. For info, call the funeral home at 630-964-9392.