Robert "Bob" Stanley Uryga, Sr. of Michiana Shores, was born on May 9th, 1944 in Chicago, Illinois. He took his final breath on Friday, May 24th, 2024, at the young age of 80.
Funeral services will be held at 7:00 p.m., Thursday, May 30th, 2024, at Ott/Haverstock Funeral Chapel, 418 Washington St., Michigan City, IN with Chaplains David Elick and Judy Wirth officiating. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. until the time of service on Thursday at the funeral chapel.
Bob was preceded in death by many of his loved ones: his parents, Bruno and Wanda (Galas) Uryga; two brothers, Bruno (Kim) Uryga Jr. and Richard Uryga; as well as his sister, Wanda, who will all be thrilled to deal with his antics in the afterlife.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Leona Uryga (78); two sons, Robert Uryga Jr. (58) and Ronald Uryga (56); one daughter, Lee Dunham (47); two brothers, John (Rachel) Uryga and Joseph Uryga; and one sister, Rosemary (Bob) Eaton. His fun, loving spirit will continue to live on through his grandchildren, Annabelle (26), Jacob (22), Emma (20), Grace (19), and so many more young individuals who were taken under his wing throughout his life.
On May 8th, 1965, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, in La Porte, Indiana, he married his lifelong partner, Leona (Konieczny) Uryga. Bob had many accomplishments by her side after, although none quite as monumental.
Bob volunteered within the Michiana Shores Volunteer Fire Department and held positions of Chief, Assistant Chief, training officer, and first responder. He was a member of Notre Dame Catholic Church and a 20-year-plus member of the IBEW Union 531, La Porte, Indiana. Bob was a proud cancer survivor as well.
As he grew in age, he also grew in comedy and generosity, retiring from the fire department he continued to serve as a member of the Indiana Volunteer Firefighters Association (IVFA), he then rallied for men and others to join the auxiliary, a 'sister' branch in need of support (IVFAA).
He held the position of Vice President within the Michiana Shores' Women's Auxiliary and after 55 years with the IVFA, serving as District 3 Chairman for 15 years, and was made an honorary member of the Bass Lake Volunteer Fire Department. Other positions he was known to serve the community included: holding a position on the town council, Assistant Precinct Chairman, and judge for over 18 years for the local areas elections.
Those who knew him, knew him as "Just Bob" at karaoke night, the father/grandfather who loved NASCAR and the Indy 500; the man that would give you the shirt off his back, but more importantly a man who enjoyed traveling the country and world, and making the people around him smile. He had an infectious laughter, knee-slap sense of humor, and a smile that could light up a room. He will be deeply missed by his family and community.
Contributions may be made to the Family of Robert Uryga, Sr. c/o Ott/Haverstock Funeral Chapel, 418 Washington St., Michigan City, IN 46360.
