Robert V. Walsh, 57, of Berwyn, formerly of Oak Park, died on June 14, 2016 as a result of cardiac arrest. Born on April 18, 1959, in Chicago, he graduated from St. Giles School, St. Ignatius College Prep, Franklin and Marshall College, and Loyola Law School.
From a young age he loved politics and served as a staffer for various elected officials, including U.S. representatives Marty Russo and Bobby Rush, U.S. Senator Carol Mosley Braun, and former Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley. He worked for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for many years, and was the first openly gay member of the Oak Park District 97 Board of Education, serving from 2001-05.
Up until the time of his death, he worked at the Kenneth Young Center, a provider of mental health support services. He also volunteered as an educator at Hephzibah Children’s Association in Oak Park, which serves as a mentoring home for children in need.Â
He was a wonderful writer and a great researcher of anything you needed to buy — particularly cars — and a passionate gardener. But the greatest passion in Bob’s life was his family: his partner of 14 years, Jim, and his children, Aidan and Hannah. His needs took a back seat to theirs, and he poured his heart into making a loving home for them and caring for them over the years.
Bob Walsh is survived by his children, Aidan and Hannah Walsh; his partner, Jim Jajkowski; his parents, Robert and Marietta Walsh; his sisters, Julie (Chuck) Fabrizius, Marie (Kevin) White, Therese (Michael) Cormack and Beth Walsh (Kirk Sweeney); Jim’s siblings, Michael (Betsy) Jajkowski, Kathy (the late James) Pawlak, Robert Jajkowski; many nieces and nephews; his dogs Mickey and Tilly, and his lizard, Barry. He will be missed more than words can say.Â
Visitation and a Mass celebrating Bob’s life were held at St. Giles Church in Oak Park on Friday evening, June 17. Donations in Bob’s memory to Hephzibah Children’s Association (hephzibahhome.org) would be appreciated.