Robert Thomas Ellstrom

Robert Thomas "Bob" Ellstrom, 88, of Raleigh, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, June 25, 2025.

Bob was born in Rochester, Minnesota, to Sidney and Johanna (Carroll) Ellstrom. He was married to Mary Ann Hurley Ellstrom for 63 wonderful years before her passing in 2019. Together, they moved to North Carolina in 1966, where Bob continued his career in purchasing at IBM’s Raleigh location until retirement.

Bob is survived by his children: Barbara Phillips (Chris), Mary Drum, Steve Ellstrom (Lisa), and Chuck Ellstrom (Victoria); grandchildren: Melissa Lloyd (Thomas), Christion Deaton (Nick), Bobby Ellstrom (Jackie), and Ty Ellstrom (Sarah); and great-grandchildren: Harper Lloyd, Andrew Lloyd, Brody Deaton, Avery Deaton, and Evelyn Ellstrom.

He is also survived by his brother Mike Ellstrom and sister Janice, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Bob was preceded in death by his brothers Dick and Sidney and sisters Eileen and Geraldine.

To his family, he was simply “Grandpa”—and he proudly earned that title every day. Rarely missing a soccer game, recital, ceremony, or birthday, Bob’s presence was a constant source of love and support. His life revolved around his family.

A passionate golfer, Bob was a familiar face on local courses—especially Hedingham—and remarkably notched seven holes-in-one over his lifetime. He was a faithful parishioner at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church and the patriarch of a Thanksgiving tradition that gathered friends and family in Raleigh for over 55 years.

A casual visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 15, from 6–8 p.m. at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home on E. Millbrook Road. A funeral Mass and celebration of Bob’s life will be held on Wednesday, July 16 at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, with a reception to follow in the Fallon Center.

The Ellstrom family would like to thank Bob’s dedicated caregivers during his cancer journey, his cardiology team, and the compassionate staff at WakeMed Hospital.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society in Bob’s memory.