Obituary

Former Illinois resident Robert R. Benkowsky Jr., 63, passed away on October 15, 2020, in Phoenix, AZ. Robert or ‘Bob’ was born on December 24, 1956 in Chicago, IL to Robert and Valerie (Surak) Benkowsky. Robert married Kathleen A. Noruk in 1976. They raised three sons, Robert G., Andrew, and Daniel. Bob moved to Arizona in 2010 with his sons, after Kathleen passed away.

Bob was an honest, loyal and selfless man who was a mentor to many throughout his life. He coached youth sports, including all three of his sons’ baseball and basketball teams from 1984-2000 at Portage Park, in Chicago, IL. Bob was also an entrepreneur and founded multiple businesses including Trudoor, LLC, in Phoenix, AZ, with his three sons. He was known for his strong work ethic, perseverance, and integrity as a businessman.

Bob had a passion for sports including golf and baseball and the Chicago Cubs. He and his three sons took a trip of a lifetime back to their hometown in 2016 to watch the Cubs win their first World Series championship in over a century. He was also an avid music lover and played the electric guitar. Bob was a dog lover and proud owner of several Border Collies. He was known for his kind and compassionate spirit.

Bob was preceded in death by his father, Robert, his mother, Valerie, and his beloved wife, Kathleen. He is survived by his three children, Bobby (Kristen), Andy, and Dan (Gigi), his sister Gail Sullivan, his brother Mark, his grandchildren Mina and Eli, and several nieces, and nephews.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, October 29, 2020 at Thompson Funeral Chapel, 926 S. Litchfield Rd. in Goodyear, AZ at 6:00PM. Funeral services will be held at 9:30AM on Friday, October 30, 2020 at the same location.