Robert Bornack

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Alice Bornack; his in-laws, Mort and Doris Ungar; and his sister-in-law, Jackie. He is survived by the love of his life, his wife Teri; his son, Matthew; his brother, Mark; his brother-in-law, Bill; cousins Steve (Debbie), Dave, Maryanne (Larry), and Larry (Lynn and the late Linda); nieces Candi (Patrick), Jessi (Eddy), and Kayleigh (Randy), along with all of their families; and lifelong family, Joan (Sam) and family.

The list of those close to Bob could go on for days. He had an amazing array of dear friends, both in and out of the music business, many of whom were lifelong. He cared deeply for those around him and considered many of them family.

When you think of Bob, one of the first things that comes to mind is music. His love of music started at a young age and blossomed into a lifelong calling. He played guitar and keyboard, and in his youth, was a member of several different bands and lived life marching to his own drum. Bob was also an entrepreneur, building and owning many businesses throughout his life, including a record and video store, cell phone stores, a DJ company, and a sound company. He loved working with bands, discovering new talent, and supporting musicians however he could.

Bob had a passion for fundraising and benefits, orchestrating many over the years, and was also an active part of Misericordia, changing countless lives with his advocacy. He was generous, resourceful, impact-driven, compassionate, loving, thoughtful, and a true visionary. While he could be an amazing showman and entertainer, he was also a deep thinker and could be quite reserved at times.

He met the love of his life, Teri, and proposed to her in unforgettable Bob fashion — via highway billboard. The proposal made the news and even landed them on The Phil Donahue Show. She said yes, and together they began an amazing 31-year journey.

Bob’s world changed in the most beautiful way when his son, Matt, came into the world. Nothing on this planet was more important to him than Matt and Teri. He was a wonderful father and was deeply involved in Matt’s everyday life. They shared so many adventures together, from trips to the train store and Micro Center to countless new experiences Bob loved giving him. He was also excited to share his love of golf with Matt and teach him the game, as well as teach him how to fish.

Bob was an absolute warrior throughout his cancer diagnosis, “fighting forward" through 10 years of rigorous treatment so he could stay with his family as long as he possibly could. Doctors said his case would be in the textbooks, as he blew the statistics out of the water. But that was Bob — unbelievable grit, strength, and determination in the face of any challenge.

He will be remembered for his music, his heart, his vision, his love for his family, and the unforgettable way he made an impact on everyone lucky enough to know him.

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

Robert Bornack will be remembered with a Memorial Visitation at Glueckert Funeral Home, 1520 N Arlington Heights Rd, Arlington Heights, IL 60004, US, on June 15, 2026, from 11:00 am to 2:30 pm, followed by a Committal Service at Memory Gardens Cemetery, 2501 E Euclid Ave, Arlington Heights, IL 60004, US, on June 15, 2026, from 2:45 pm to 3:00 pm.