Obituary for Robert "Robbie" Byczynski
Robert “Robbie” Byczynski passed away on April 18, 2024, at his home in Utica, IL, after living a fulfilling life of 86 years. Later in life, he bravely battled Parkinson’s Disease and was blessed to have his daughter Megan caring for him at home. They were also fortunate to have had so many wonderful caregivers, nurses and physical therapists throughout this stage of his life.
A visitation will be held at Burgess Funeral Home in LaSalle on Wednesday, April 24 from 5:00P.M. to 8:00 P.M. and visitation from10A.M. to 11A.M on Thursday, April 25 at St. Mary’s Church in Utica with a mass at 11A.M. celebrated by Monsignor Philip Halfacre. Cremation rites have been accorded and burial will be at a later date. Robbie was born and raised in Utica and lived there most of his life .He loved everything about his hometown and was proud to be a Utican. He was born on May 27, 1937 to Carl and Irma (Tondi)Byczynski in their Utica farmhouse. Robbie was not much for farming ,but he sure did learn how to hunt and fish the land he grew up on and spent most of his life caring for. If you doubted his hunting and fishing skills, all you needed to do was ask. Robbie graduated from LaSalle-Peru Township High School in 1955. He participated in both football and wrestling, becoming the first LP wrestler to go to state. He bled the red and green and could usually be found Friday nights watching the Cavaliers from the south end zone with his friends, reliving their glory days. After graduation, Robbie enlisted in the US Army proudly serving in Kitzingen, Germany. Upon completing his service, and after a short stint living in and selling insurance in the Little Italy neighborhood of Chicago, Robbie joined the LaSalle County Sheriff’s Department. As a Deputy he served in a number of roles from Chief Deputy to Patrol Supervisor, retiring as a Sgt. after 28 years of duty. He worked for
many Sheriffs over the years, or sometimes they worked for him without being aware of such. As we all know and experienced, Robbie could give commands and orders like General Patton, but following them was another story. Robbie served as the Utica Chief of Police and Township Supervisor, for the small town he called home. Robbie also worked for the Elmhurst-Chicago Stone Company for many years, managing the Utica Hunt Club. Calling this “work” is a stretch as running the Duck Club was Robbie’s passion and gave him great joy. He was a member of the Illinois Police Association and the Utica
American Legion, proudly participating in the annual Veterans Day Parade. Robbie loved his late wife, his kids, his grandkids, everybody else’s kids, his brother, sisters, nieces, and nephews. He loved his friends, and if you were one, you were truly fortunate, because he was the most loyal friend one could have. He loved his dogs, especially Jesse Bell and Ruthie along with Bambi, a baby deer that he, his wife Pat and Megan rescued. Robbie valued the simple things in life. Family and good friends meant everything to him. Being outdoors was his happy place, whether duck hunting, mushroom hunting, or fishing. Just don’t ask him where he found that giant morel or caught that lunker as the answer was simply in the woods or in the water. He loved playing poker, telling mostly true stories, and occasionally hoisting a glass. Causing just enough mischief to “stir the pot” and then sitting back to watch the action was a favorite pastime. His Monday card games, wild game feeds, and the
“Buzz Masters” fishing tournaments at the Duck Club were all legendary. Robbie is survived by his daughter, Megan Byczynski of Utica; his daughter Sandy (Toby) Yeaple of Auburn, Washington. He is also survived by his beloved stepdaughter Jill (John) Pohar of Peru, IL; stepson Jim (Marcie) Holland of Utica, IL. Also surviving are his adored grandchildren: Zachary Yeaple, Cory (Cassidy) Yeaple, Tondi Yeaple, all of Auburn, Washington; John Pohar IV of Mesa, Arizona, Julia Pohar of Kansas City, Missouri and Joseph Pohar of Peru, IL; great-grandchild Stella Yeaple of Auburn, Washington; sister-in law Gloria Byczynski of Ottawa, IL; Aunt June Pambianco of Waukesha, Wisconsin; nieces and nephews, Herb (Jill) Klein of Peru, IL; Beth (Rick) Schmitt of Sandwich, IL; Brad (Lisa) Byczynski of Plainfield,IL; Bill Byczynski of Ottawa and many great nieces and nephews; and step-son, Dana Hyson of Utica, IL. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Pat on February 20, 2009; his sisters, Rosie and Charlotte; and brother Donald. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family per his
wishes. Online condolences may be expressed at www.burgessfh.com. Burgess Funeral Home is assisting the family
with arrangements.
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