Robert "Bob" J. Juszczyk

Born April 20, 1944, in Ware, Massachusetts, Bob was the son of John and Stephanie (Gwara) Juszczyk. He grew up with a strong sense of duty and remarkable consistency—a steady, reliable presence in all areas of his life.

After graduating from Ware High School, Bob began his working life as a machinist before joining the United States Air Force, where he served with pride. While in the Air Force, he worked in parts supply and logistics and often joked that he was a real-life “Radar O’Riley,” a nod to the beloved television character. After his service, Bob used the GI Bill to further his education at Western New England University where he received his BS in accounting, and embarked on a career as an accountant and auditor. He began at a CPA firm in Springfield, Massachusetts, and later moved to Washington, D.C., where he worked for the U.S. Treasury Department and then the Department of Housing and Urban Development, traveling the country to conduct audits with diligence and integrity.

Bob was a renaissance man whose interests reached far beyond his professional life. A lifelong baseball fan, he carried his love for the game from his high-school days—when he played both baseball and football - to the time playing for his church’s softball team, maintaining the swing honed during his baseball youth. Bob’s love for horse racing took him to Gulfstream Park in Florida, to the Breeders’ Cup at Del Mar in California, and, most memorably, to his cherished annual visits to the Preakness at Pimlico. Over the years, he developed a keen interest in studying the horses and handicapping the races, and became quite good at it.

Music was perhaps Bob’s greatest lifelong passion. Largely self-taught, he played the accordion, guitar, and harmonica, and later in life, he pursued piano lessons with the same determination and consistency that defined all of his endeavors. Barbara, his wife of nearly 48 years, fondly recalls his practicing for recitals alongside children half a century younger than he was—working tirelessly to memorize each piece.

Bob’s love for music knew no bounds, and he shared his gift for music generously, often playing the accordion for senior groups, friends, and community gatherings. One of Barbara’s most cherished memories was witnessing the power of Bob’s music as it brought an elderly man with dementia to his feet to dance with his wife—a moment that touched everyone present.

He was also a man who loved nature and simple pleasures. Fishing trips were among his favorite pastimes—from the waters off Block Island to the streams of Maine and the shores of Ocean City, Maryland. Whether catching rockfish, bluefish, or landlocked salmon, he found joy in the outdoors and in sharing his catch with Barbara, who delighted in preparing his bluefish recipes.

A man of heart and quiet devotion, Bob was proud of his service to his country and his role in his community. He was known for his kindness, devotion, and the unwavering consistency he brought to his work, his passions, and his relationships. His life was filled with purpose and the things he loved most—his family, his friends, his music, a good day fishing, and a day at the races.

Bob is predeceased by his best friend and mentor Kenneth T. Wade, and his brother-in-law, Joseph P. Grabon and survived by his devoted wife, Barbara, with whom he shared countless adventures; his brother Joe (Joan) Juszczyk; their children Alyssa (Tommy) Mills and Matthew (Moi) Juszczyk/DeOliveira; his sisters-in-law Sherry Grabon and JoAnn (Ellis) Griffin; as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, one great-great nephew and his godson J. Zachary Wade. He also leaves behind a circle of very loving and caring long-time friends who enriched his life and will cherish his memory.

Mass will be Tuesday, October 21, at 10:30 at the Basilica of St. Mary, 310 S. Royal St., Alexandria, VA. A reception will follow at the church Lyceum, 313 Duke St. Interment will be Saturday, November 29, 2025, at 10:30am at St. Stanislaus Cemetery, 800 Montgomery St., Chicopee, MA.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:

Order of Malta - Federal Association

1730 M Street NW, Suite 403, Washington DC 20036

Memo line- in memory of Bob Juszczyk, 2023 Lourdes Pilgrimage Malade.

https://wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=orderofmalta&id=310

Please follow this link to make a donation to the Saint Vincent de Paul Society of the Basilica of Saint Mary in lieu of flowers.”

https://membership.faithdirect.net/givenow/VA713/21956.