Robert “Bob” Francis Biletnikoff

away peacefully while surrounded by his loving family, on February 14, 2025. Bob was a

proud United States Air Force veteran who was patriotic to his core and loved serving his

country. While stationed in Japan and the U.S., he made lifelong friends that he remained in

contact with throughout his lifetime.

His family was truly his greatest treasure and pride and joy. He cherished every moment

spent with them. Barbara, his wife of 60 years, was the love of his life and center of his

world. Bob, affectionately known as “the Bobster” by many who knew him, had the

incredible knack of making every person feel special. He and Barbara’s house was always a

gathering place for family and friends; all were welcomed and felt at home. His adult

children and their friends have always cherished their parents’“open door policy,” and their

friends still walk through the door and visit frequently. “Bobster” captivated everyone in the

room with his ability for storytelling about his lifetime adventures while leaving us all

smiling.

Bob had a deep appreciation for history and was known for his love of classic movies.

Music brought him great joy, and he loved to sing along to any song he knew, especially by

Neil Diamond. He was known for his creative spirit and artistic talents, expressed through

various art forms, including a comic strip called “Skool Daze” that he co-created with his

Air Force buddy, Dave Wargo. He was an avid sports lover; LSU and the New Orleans Saints

will be missing one of their biggest fans/ “coaches.” Many precious times were spent

watching sports and cooking with family and friends on any given weekend over the course

of his life. Bob was a lifelong parishioner of Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church and proudly

served as the Home and School Association’s president during his children’s early

education years there. Over many years, he was significantly involved in his children’s

interests, including coaching football, baseball, and basketball teams. He instilled

enduring Christian values and prided himself in teaching love of the game and

competitiveness in the young people he mentored. Many still refer to him as “Coach Bob,”

even 50 years later. Other treasured memories with his sons also included leadership in

“Y”-Indian Guides, Cub Scouts, and Webelos organizations. Bob impacted not only his own

children but countless others throughout his life. He will be remembered by all those who

knew and loved him by his jovial, infectious laugh and as someone that always brought a

smile to your face.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara Humble Biletnikoff, and his children Patrick and

wife Therese, Mark, Brian and wife Pamela, Elisabeth Biletnikoff-Lowe and husband

Matthew Lowe, Matthew and fiancé Kristy Dibble. His grandchildren, Carson DiBenedetto,

Bradley, Alek and Forrest Biletnikoff. His brother, Mark Biletnikoff, of Erie, Pennsylvania and

numerous nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly. Bob was preceded in death by his

parents, Mark and Mildred Biletnikoff, and sister-in-law Carol Biletnikoff all of Erie,

Pennsylvania.Mike Humble, Cliff Humble, Tommy Nolan, Matthew Lowe, Mac Duncan, and

Carson DiBenedetto will serve as pallbearers.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude for the compassionate and dignified

care that the entire ICU team at The Baton Rouge General-Bluebonnet provided over the

last several weeks of his life. Similarly, we would like to thank Bob’s VA aides, specifically

Kim Robinson, Samantha Miranda, and Caprice Bivens for their conscientious care, loving

attitude, and listening ears while caring for Bob.

Visitation will be held at Greenoaks Funeral Home at 9595 Florida Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA

on Sunday, February 23rd from 4:00pm – 6:00pm; Holy Rosary will be recited at 5:45pm. A

memorial Mass will be held at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church in Baton Rouge, LA on

Monday, February 24, 2025, at 10:30am with visitation at the church prior to Mass from

9:30am-10:30am. Fr. Miles Walsh will celebrate the Mass. Inurnment with close family and

friends will take place at a later date.