Lit a candle in memory of Robert John Swigris

Someone once said that you can count your true friends on one hand.  What they didn’t say was when you lose a friend, it creates a large void. Bob was a good friend! He’ll be missed.
David Halsey
Bob's golfing buddy

Lots of sweet memories, Becky! I used to love stopping at Johnny's Grocery for penny candy, cut through Bobby's side yard and swing on my way to St Boniface! Sometimes, his mom, Ann Swigris, would bring me a treat :gift_heart:

Jody, Jill and Family - I am so sorry for your loss.  I am holing you all my heart.  I see every day at Mountain Sage how Jody continues her dad's legacy as a math teacher and does him proud.  Alles Liebe, Annie Krieg

Have many good memories of the Swigris family, and their bar. It was a fun and family friendly place. Bob played ball for my dad, but I remember him most as a bssketball hero. My prayers for his family.

I too am an old South Side resident, and remember well the young Bob Swigris playing basketball constantly at St. Boniface school, then on to Spalding where he continued showing his athletic abilities on the Basketball floor and on the Baseball field.  He excelled in sports and it appears more so in life, passing on his great upbringing by his parents and passing that on to his students and athletes later in life.  It is amazing how much that influences those parents of today, that Bob crossed paths with them in their most formidable years.  I realize your sorrow at this time, but I can only understand your amazing admiration and pride, in knowing all of the lives of everyone he encountered throughout his lifetime.  May he rest in Peace, and may God richly reward him for all he did, in His Name, while serving here on earth.  I will have Bob, and all of his family and loved ones, in my thoughts and prayers.

Joe Giltner
Peoria, IL.

I sorry to hear of Bob's passing. I was on the 1978 Spalding basketball team coached by Coach Swigris. I then was able to coach Jeff in baseball at Quincy College.My thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Bob was influential in my life and so many others I'm sure (1975-77). His dedication and commitment to team and competition may have left his immediate family wanting at times, but please be assured that your generosity allowed him to influence and nurture many many others.  I'm certainly better having known Bob and to have had the honor of calling him ""coach"".

Bob was a CLASS Guy!  I remember Bob as a great basketball player at Spalding, and just a really good guy.  It makes me sad to see him pass away, but the world is a better place because Bob left it that way!  I can still see in my mind Bob driving to the right corner (very deep) on the court, and shooting a ""fall away jump shot""!  Dave Jochman SI '66

Bob was a neighbor and friend in Peoria, Il.  One thing pops out when I think of Coach Swigris, was watching him pitch batting practice with the infield manned and shaggers in the outfield.  When the catcher returned the ball, Bob would miss the return throw to keep the infielders on their toes, in case it happened during a game.  Nice Guy, good coach, good neighbor, sorry to see him go.  Prayers for him and his family

Roger Kassing

My condolences to you all from your next door neighbor back in Peoria.

Bob was my high school classmate at Spalding 1960-64.  He was not only the best athlete, in my estimation, of anyone in our class (when he handled the basketball he seemed to have springs in his legs, and may have been better yet at baseball), but a genuinely nice guy who did not flaunt the status his athletic achievements gave him.  Reading his obituary and seeing his involvement in things such as Catholic Charities, Stephen Ministry, etc., it all fits with who I knew him to be in our days at Spalding.  My condolences to all his family, for he certainly left our world too soon.  May you rest in peace, Bob, and rise in glory!

I played baseball for Coach Swigris at Bergen High School from 1969 to 1971. Coach Swigris was one of the most outstanding leaders and coaches that I have ever been a part of of any team. After 46 years I still remember like it was every Spring how an intense individual turned everyone into a cohesive successful team. I attribute a lot of my success both on and off the field to Coach Swigris .May his memory be eternal through his family and may God bless his family! Dale Whitten Parker Colorado

I played baseball for Bob in the early 1970's when he was varsity coach at Bergan H.S.
I can remember to this day some of our conversations on the pitching mound when things were not going so well.  I had great respect for him and really enjoyed playing for him.  May God hold him close.

Jim Dean

Bob was an unforgettable person. I haven't seen him in ions but remember him as a good friend, great bball player, a smart & all-round good (& funny) guy. We all have so many wonderful high school memories with Bob.
May you Rest In Peace & Happiness, dear friend

So sorry to hear about the loss of your dad from all the McMorrow's. - Jeff

I learned a lot from Bob when I started my career at Solar.  We had numerous conversations, (normally when something was broken), but he always had a positive attitude about the outcomes.  I've carried those lessons with me.  You'll be missed, Bob.

My cousin dan Windsor and I would stop to get Bob on our walk to kindergarten ... used to love the smell of his folks bar. Then onto st biniface for 8 great years. Our lives scattered but our foundations were firm ... Becky Griffiths

I was so blessed to have met Mr. Swigris when I was a sophomore at the Academy of Our Lady/Spalding Institute-he was the teacher that finally got MATH through my thick head!  I had him again my junior year as well.  I thank him each and everyday!!  My prayers are with Mr. Swigris and his family.  He made a HUGE difference in MY life and I am forever thankful!

OBITUARY

Robert John Swigris

November 6, 1946 – April 30, 2017

Allnutt Funeral & Cremation - Macy

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