Robert Eugene Rukin

Robert “Bob” (“Bobby” to his cousins) Rukin, two weeks shy of his 91st birthday. Devoted son of the late Hyman and Gertrude Rukin. Beloved husband of Leslie nee Frank. Loving father to Peter (Sharon Djemal) and Kelly (Adam) Oxer. Proud grandfather of Ariana and David Djemal Rukin, and Noa and Josh Oxer. Dear brother of the late Melvin (the late Marion) Rukin. Beloved uncle and cousin to many. Raised in Albany Park, Bob received his Bachelor of Science from Roosevelt University and his Master of Science from Northeastern Illinois University. Bob was a Chicago public high school science teacher for over 35 years. Early on in his teaching career, Bob was asked by CPS Central Office to design the science curricula for the Chicago public school system. He eventually returned to the classroom and always spoke proudly about the kids he taught at Kelvyn Park High School who went on to college. After retiring, Bob began selling residential fences part time to keep himself busy and ended up excelling in it. Normally a quiet guy, Bob could talk your ear off about the successful fence deals he had closed or his takes on the stock market and financial planning. Bob was also a classical pianist and loved listening to all types of classical music; you could hear WFMT playing whenever you walked into the house. Above all, Bob was a gentle, sweet and kind man who loved his family and was proud of his grandkids and their many accomplishments. Graveside Service Monday, August 17, at 3pm at Shalom Memorial Park, 1700 West Rand Road, Arlington Heights, Illinois. Memorials in his name to the International Rescue Committee or the Human Rights Campaign.