Robert Paul Balich

Robert Paul Balich, beloved husband, loving father, dear brother, and fierce friend, passed suddenly on September 9th, 2026.

Bob, after marrying his wife, Nancy (nee Swan) at the age of 37, fathered three children, Paul, Amy, and Jessica. Prior to starting his own nuclear family, Bob began as a dear brother of Linda (Ken), Jim (Jody), Diane (Tom), Karen (Bob), Christy (Jamie), and the late Susan (Kevin).

Upon his marriage to Nancy, Bob became the dear son-in-law of Neil and the late Joan Swan, and a brother-in-law of Debbie (John) and Tracy (Rob).

Bob was preceded in death by his parents George and Dale Marie Balich, and his sister Susan, all of whom now welcome him into the kingdom of God.

Bob was larger than life and will be deeply missed by family and friends. He was a dedicated Catholic attending St. Gall Grammar school where he was a proud member of the Boy Scouts of America, earning the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout. Bob carried that same determination at St. Laurence High School where he grew into a gifted athlete who lettered in multiple sports. Shortly after graduating from Eastern Illinois University with a Master's Degree in Business, he started his own company, Alloy Piping Inc., which he led for over 40 years. Bob also proudly dedicated countless hours to organizations close to his heart including the Muscular Dystrophy Association, St. Vincent de Paul food pantry, and SPRED.

Bob, the devoted husband, father, brother, godfather, friend, dog dad, and quintessential “Uncle Bob” to his many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews, boasted a boisterous and dynamic personality. His closest friends playfully nicknamed him “Mr. Everything,” and with his larger-than-life spirit, he made friends everywhere he went. Bob was truly a character—you couldn’t help but love him, and you could never forget him.

Visitation Wednesday, September 16th from 3pm to 8pm at Thornridge Funeral Home 14318 S. Lagrange Road (Northbound traffic U-turn permitted at 143rd Street) Orland Park. Funeral Thursday, September 17th with family and friends to meet directly at Our Lady of the Woods Church 10731 West 131st Street Orland Park for Mass at 10:00am. Interment at Resurrection Cemetery 7201 Archer Road Justice.