OBITUARY
Bob Stanek
April 9, 1937 – January 31, 2013
Mr. Robert “Bob” Stanek of Marietta passed away January 31, 2013. Bob was born in Chicago, IL on April 9, 1937 to the late Frances and Walter Stanek. After his graduation from William Howard Taft High School, he went to the University of Illinois and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in architectural design. He lettered in track while in college. He enjoyed running throughout his life, running in 4 marathons, including the Marine Marathon in Quantico, VA. After college, Bob served in the Marine Corps and was a helicopter pilot in Vietnam from 1963-1964. He survived being shot down twice. Bob often said “The best 5 years of my life were my 5 years in the Marines”. He flew for Delta from 1964-1994. Bob was a car collector and belonged to numerous car clubs. He leaves behind his brother, Donald W. Stanek and his wife Rose as well as many friends. A funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, February 6, 2013 at 11:00am at the Catholic Church of St Ann. Interment will follow a reception at 2:30pm at Georgia National Cemetery. The visitation will be on Tuesday from 6:00-8:00pm at H.M. Patterson & Son Canton Hill. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions in memory of Bob to either Vietnam Veterans of America, www.vva.org, 5879 New Peachtree Rd, Doraville, GA 30340 or Toys for Tots, www.toysfortots.org, 18251 Quantico Gateway Drive, Triangle, VA 22172.
Services
- Visitation Tuesday, February 5, 2013
- Funeral Mass Wednesday, February 6, 2013
REMEMBERING
Bob Stanek
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RECEIVE UPDATESErica Beltz
February 28, 2014
May your light shine bright in those who are missing you.
March 27, 2013
Come on Bob, just one more trip to Germany.I can't go without the Mayor of Sindlefingen....M. P.Boden {DAL ret.}
Dave Johnson
February 21, 2013
To all of Bob's family and friends - my sincere condolences.... I just found out about his passing. Bob and I ran many miles together throughout the years - cycled many miles as well. We shared a love of antique cars and the Marine Corp. Guard those streets well, my friend... Semper Fi.
Dave Johnson
Gary Goldstein
February 10, 2013
Bob Stanek: You will be greatly missed at the French Car Club of Atlanta monthly meetings and the Caffeine & Octane gatherings. Your M.G., your FIAT, your VW's, and your Citroen 2CV were just spectacular.
God bless you, thank you for your military service, and by all means , please R.I.P.
It was an absolute PLEASURE meeting you and enjoying the cars that you and I both love.
Gary N. Goldstein
President
The French Car Club of Atlanta
Dan Gentz
February 8, 2013
Bob,
Will never forget you. Miss you on Sunday's - you always kept me laughing. You are in our prayers.
kitty willett
February 7, 2013
Bob was one of my favorite pilots. He always had a great smile. Thanks for years of great trips at Delta. May the Lord bless your family in the days ahead as they miss you, Capt.Stanek. In Christ.Kitty Willett retired Delta Flt. Att.
Elizabeth Stanek
February 7, 2013
No words can truly depict the joy and happiness, you, Bob, and brother, Don, brought to both Harry and I these many years. Now that you are again reunited with my beloved, may you both continue to rest in love and peace in the arms of our dear Lord. Auntie Betty
Tom Peace
February 7, 2013
Bob, I know your flight West ended in Gods' palm. I knew you as a Delta pilot, a more than acquaintance, but moreover, as a fellow artist. (You were better than I) I send my best wishes and condolences to all who loved you. You were an inspiration and good person.
Tom Peace MD-11 Capt Ret.
Reid Burton
February 6, 2013
Cousin Bob, I was very young when I met you but I remember my grandfather, Harry Stanek, speaking of you often. I appreciate the attention you and brother Don have given my grandmother all of these years. As a Marine I thank you for your service and the risks you took to medevac our brothers in Vietnam. Semper Fi.
Thad Kirk
February 6, 2013
So sorry to hear about Bob. I enjoyed talking cars with him and the grey FIAT at our Fiat club conventions. Always a welcoming nice guy.
Joan (Witt) Kell
February 6, 2013
I remember Bob very well with his wonderful smile. I flew with Bob for several years out of Chicago as a flight attendant. We will all miss you!
February 5, 2013
Bob,I enjoyed flying with you to the west coast. You even gave me a black tie to replace my old one!
You will be missed.
Bruce Thoman, Peachtree City
February 5, 2013
Semper fi
John Montgomery
February 5, 2013
Bob Stanek was a wonderful man in every respect. I met Bob in the mid 1990's when he came to our Italian car club gatherings in North Atlanta. Bob was a member of Fiat Lancia Unlimited and well as a wonderful member of the Porsche Club. His cars were absolutely perfect, even the little gray 1965 Fiat 1500 convertible. Bob had the very best examples of cars, yet was so humble and respectful to all others. Even if he won Best of Show and a First Place class award he was just thankful to be there and was always low key, even when his cars were in the National spotlight.
I remember just a few years ago at our Italian Car Day show. Bob would come early every year to help set up, but then he would also stay late to help clean up and put everything away. The last time he was at our show he was the last person there with me after everyone else had gone home, even loading heavy tables into the storage area, a task which was clearly a job for a younger man. This simple story of his service to others even when no one was watching speaks volumes toward what kind of man he was. I remember too that when Sunday came around on a car show weekend, Bob was going to church no matter what. He truly set an example for all of us and touched our lives for the better in every way. One last thing that needs said: Our hearts are heavy with his loss at this time but rest assured there is no doubt that Bob is in heaven right now... and we can rejoice in a life well lived. God bless you Bob, because you have certainly blessed us. He lived in wonderful service to family, friends, neighbors, the collector car community and our country through his brave military career. Rest in Peace Bob, you will be missed. May we live our lives to follow the lessons you gave us and in that way honor your legacy.
John Montgomery-Fiat Lancia Unlimited car club www.flu.org
Charles Smith
February 5, 2013
Robert, I will never forget you, as I have known you since I was a little boy when our families first met.
Do you remember that Christmas eve when you were putting my toy garage together? It seemed like the garage had 100 little pieces. Don asked you if you wanted a beer so I piped up and said “No Don, Bob doesn't want a beer until he finishes putting my garage together”. Bob you got your beer.
Then there was the time we went to Stone Mountain. As we hiked down the mountain you told me there were Indians hiding and watching us. You secretly threw rocks from behind your back to make me think the Indians were hidden. I was really scared but I knew you would protect me. Then you found an old dog tag and gave it to me calling it an “Old Indian Artifact” which I cherished and showed my school mates during “Show and Tell”.
Bob, you would find information on the Internet and called Don to discuss the latest goings-on in the world. Don really looked forward to your phone calls as much as you liked calling him. Don cherished your jaunts together especially in the Rolls Royce. As brothers you were a team giving each other love, strength, support, and encouragement.
Don has lost his dearest brother and best buddy and Don is waiting for your phone call. Keep your eye on Don as his heart is yearning to hear from you. Give Don a phone call from Heaven.
Robert, you left this world with a lot of positive memories. Thank you for letting us into your life.
Our prayers are with you, Don, and family.
Respectfully,
Charles Smith & Family
Sity VanSickle
February 5, 2013
Sad to hear of the loss of Bob. He was one of my favorite pilots.
Sity VanSickle
Delta Air Lines
February 5, 2013
We will miss you always!!! You've been our neighbor, friend, and seen our kids grow. We especially liked, when you drove around in all your cars, it always put a smile on our face!!!! Maxwell and Isabelle will always remember you !!! Love to Don and Rose during this difficult time in your lives. We love you and are here for you!!! Love always, Lori, Peter, Maxwell and Isabelle.
Joe McGuigan
February 5, 2013
Capt Stanek,
I never had the honor of meeting you in person but, as a fellow Vietnam Veteran Marine, you will always be my brother. It will be my honor, as a Patriot Guard Rider, to escort you to your final resting place.
Deirdre Stanek Burton
February 4, 2013
Dear Bob, I can remember family get-togethers as far back as when I was 4 yrs. old. How I looked forward to seeing you and Don. As I look at the family pictures from the days of us all growing-up, I get a lump in my throat. How our lives pass by so quickly. You and Don were Dad's favorites and you both always brought the fun side out in him. I always envied your artistic talents. You really lived your life to the fullest, and always cared so much about family. You will be greatly missed, but I know you are in a place surrounded by love and glory. May God wrap His arms around you and keep you safe forever. We'll see each other again....until then.
February 4, 2013
Enjoyed talking to you about growing up in Chicago and our days of flying together at Delta. Marti Wilson, retired Delta Flight Attendant
Gene McHugh
February 4, 2013
Bob, for so many years, you flew closer to heaven than most of us mortals. Now you can reach out and touch the face of God. Enjoy Paradise--you earned it, my friend.
February 4, 2013
I ALWAYS ENJOYED FLYING WITH BOB. HE WAS A GOOD MAN, AND WILL BE MISSED.
JIM TILLMAN (FAYETTEVILLE, GA.)
Allen Gliniewicz
February 4, 2013
Dear Bob I'm so glad we got together, you, Don and Rose. You generously drove us all in your beautiful Rolls. Thank you, as always. We will pray for you, Don, and Rose that the pain of this separation will soften as you go to your reward. Thank you for the life you spent with us. Peace and Compassion
Eric Burton
February 3, 2013
Bob, though I didn't know you well, I feel as though I did. The stories I'd hear about you from your cousin and my grandfather, Harry Stanek, were fascinating. My mother, Deirdre, also has nothing but fond memories of you which she has shared with me over the years. Thank you for creating the history that has helped to mold my life.
Kellie Fredrickson
February 3, 2013
Bob you are a great and wonderful man. You will be greatly missed by everyone who knew you. I have great memories of you and Don .the two of you always made me laugh many pictures to prove that. Now you and your father can talk cars again. R.i.p. you will always be in my thought and prays . Love you.
David Funderburk
February 3, 2013
I will miss you Bob, you always had a smile on your face.
Erica Beltz
February 3, 2013
Bob, you are one in a Million. Words can't begin to express how much you will be missed. The best part about Sunday Morning Breakfast was seeing you at JChristopher's. I miss your smile & awesome jokes already. Rest Well. If you run into my little guy Luke, he'd love to hear about your cars.
FROM THE FAMILY
IN THE CARE OF