Robert D Abels

Robert D. Abels, beloved son of the late Ben and Anne Abels; devoted husband and best friend of the late Hope Abels (née Brown) with whom he shared 54 wonderful years; dedicated and loving father of David (Heather) Abels and the late Ben Abels; proud and adoring Papa to Emmett and Brooke; dear brother of the late Tom (Sandy) Abels; and a loyal friend to many throughout his life.

Raised in Robinson, Illinois, Bob was a standout basketball player for the Robinson High School Maroons. He went on to attend the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he was a proud member of the Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity and earned his degree.

Bob built a successful career in commercial real estate, but his greatest passion was music. A talented jazz saxophonist, he performed at small venues across the Chicago area for many years. In his later years, he joined the Naples Big Band in Florida and delighted in playing before large audiences.

Bob will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. His legacy of warmth, wit, music, and friendship lives on.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Rotary International: www.rotary.org/en/get-involved/ways-to-give.

A funeral service for Robert will be held Monday, August 4, 2025, 12:00 PM at Weinstein & Piser Funeral Home, 111 Skokie Blvd, Wilmette, IL 60091. Interment Rosehill Cemetery. The family will be sitting shiva at David and Heather Abels' residence on Monday, August 4, following the interment until 8:00 PM and on Tuesday from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM.