Robert J. Picha
October 30, 1942 — October 31, 2015
Robert J. Picha, age 73, passed suddenly on Saturday, October 31, 2015.
Robert is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Mary (nee Sexton); loving daughters, Margaret (John) Hanson, Susan (John) Bailey, and Kathryn (Robert) Legler; cherished grandchildren, Andrea Hanson, Joseph Bailey, Veronika Legler, and Karoline Legler; dear brother, Donald (Marjorie) Picha; dear sister-in-law, Janice (the late Wayne) Picha; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Margaret (nee Ancel) Picha; and brother, Wayne Picha.
Bob was born in Joliet and was a Plainfield resident until 1997, currently residing in Havana, IL. He retired from Caterpillar where he served 37 years as a Manufacturing Engineer. He was a dedicated member of the Joliet Legion Band since 1960, serving as the Band’s Concert Master (principal clarinetist) since 1978. Bob was a former member of Joliet Junior College Community Band and Delwood Park Band. He provided clarinet lessons to many of the area’s band students. He played for Honor Flights with Frankfort Brass Band. Bob was an avid motorcycle enthusiast. He enjoyed fishing trips to Canada, hunting, and family gatherings.
A Celebration of Robert’s life will begin on Thursday, November 5, 2015 with prayers in the funeral home chapel at 9:20 a.m. then driving in procession to St. Joseph Catholic Church in Joliet for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. Interment to follow at St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday, November 4 from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Tezak Funeral Home, 1211 Plainfield Road, Joliet.