Robert A. Vicich

Robert A. Vicich “The Chief” a lifelong resident of Joliet, passed away at his home at the age of 87 while surrounded by his loving family on October 16, 2025. Bob was born to his father Joseph Vicich and his mother Johanna Sitar in Joliet on April 22, 1938.

Bob was educated at St. Joseph Grade School and Joliet Township High School. After high school he worked a number of area jobs before finding his stride with the Joliet Public Works Department. He worked for the city sewer department from 1968 until his retirement in 2004 after 36 years of loyal and trusted service. In 1970 he met his future wife, Joyce. She was quiet, he was not. The two were married on September 16, 1972 and went on to share 53 years of marriage together. They raised two daughters here in Joliet and eventually enjoyed four grandchildren and three great grandchildren. “The Chief” was socially active to say the least, he never met a stranger, only a new friend. He made all feel welcomed in his orbit, and lived to make others smile. He was always a supportive and attentive father, teaching his girls how to fix plumbing and work with tools. He wanted his people to be self-sufficient and capable as he always prided himself on being. He lived by the motto, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure” and he truly had a unique knack for making treasures from other people’s discarded items. He had vision, and he followed through on it. Whether creating a roasting spit to make his famous chicken and lamb, or saving that old Neon sign from a dumpster, he saw things a little differently. He was doting grandfather who always had candy in his pockets, and he was a lifelong Chicago Bears fan win or lose. He will be dearly missed, and always loved.

He was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Johanna; his grandson Brody Zelinski (in infancy); his sisters Mae Frank, Jean Papesh Vliek, Helen Przybylski, Loretta Fuchs, Sylvia Vicich, Vivian Rigler, Rosemarie Vicich, and Audrey Ventura; and his brothers Christopher, Joseph, John, Hubert, Elmer, Albert, Roy, Edwin, Raymond, and Leonard Vicich.

Bob is survived by his loving wife of 53 years Joyce Vicich (née Ukovich); his daughters Jill (Michael) Breneman and Deborah (Robert) Zelinski, his grandsons Joseph Breneman, Elijah Zelinski, and Nicholas (Jamie) Breneman; his granddaughter Olivia Zelinski; and his great grandchildren Orion, Nikos, and Aspen Breneman. Many other extended family members, friends, and loved ones too numerous to name individually also survive.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate any donations made in Robert's name be directed to Saint Joseph Church or Lightways Hospice in Joliet.

A celebration of Robert’s life will be held on Monday, October 20, 2025 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 to be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 19, 2025 at Tezak Funeral Home, 1211 Plainfield Road, Joliet from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. St Joseph Holy Name Society to offer prayers at 4:00 p.m.