Robert "Bobby" D'Onofrio

Birth Date: 
Thursday, May 2, 1946
Date of Death: 
Friday, January 16, 2026

Robert “Bobby” D’Onofrio

1946-2026

Robert “Bobby” D’Onofrio, 79, passed away in Chicago, IL, on January 16, 2026. 

Bobby was born on May 2, 1946, in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Joseph and Josephine D’Onofrio. 

He is survived by his beloved wife, Rena Friedman D’Onofrio; his daughter, Jessica D’Onofrio Whitmire, son-in-law Doug Whitmire, of Chicago and his cherished grandchildren, Jack and Grace Whitmire.

Bobby was proud of his Taylor Street roots and his Italian heritage. He worked for the City of Chicago’s Streets and Sanitation Department for more than 30 years. He was a devoted husband and a proud grandfather whose life centered around his family.

Bobby was a huge Chicago sports fan, a natural born athlete and was best known for his incredible sense of humor and loyalty to those he loved.

His presence will be deeply missed and forever held in the hearts of his family and friends.

A memorial service will be held at Anshe Emet Synagogue on Sunday January 25, 2026 from 2:00–3:00 PM, located at 3751 North Broadway, Chicago, Illinois. Shiva will follow, two blocks away, at Lake Park Plaza at 3930 North Pine Grove, Chicago, IL on the 2nd Floor.

Funeral Service: 
Anshe Emet Synagogue
Sunday, January 25, 2026 - 2:00pm

Guestbook

Anonymous replied on

Antonella Sassano/Antico
Rocco! The name of Bob and Rena’s cat. I’m so proud to be the one who suggested it. I remember visiting them, looking at the cat, then looking at Bob and saying, “You need to call him Rocco!” Bob loved the name immediately. Every time we spoke on the phone, and when I saw him in Chicago, he would always retell that story. The best part is knowing that many time he called Rocco, he must have thought of me. Being Bob’s friend was truly an honor. Even after I moved away from Chicago, we stayed in touch. I had a dream that one day Bob and Rena would come visit us. Once, he told me, “As soon as Rena gets well, we will come.” He left me with that promise, one he sadly wasn’t able to fulfill. Bob left a huge hole in my heart. He really did. He was our Chicago friend, our reason to go back there and visit. I will miss him so much! My Italian cumba' friend! Antonella

Anonymous replied on

Gianni Antico
What words could possibly add to what we heard today at the service? "The world won't be the same without Bob." I have been thinking of him and Rena constantly since the last time we spoke on the phone, which was, unfortunately, two years ago. I was actually gearing up for another visit to their home in Chicago. We lived with Bob's smile for ten years as neighbors in the same building. Because I will never forget his presence or his humor, I wanted to share two moments that came to mind so vividly that I felt it was time to "call him up" once more. It had been only a few days since I moved to Lake Park Plaza when I first met Bob. He came straight up to me and said, "I heard you are Italian." What followed was a showcase of the best repertoire of Italian swear words, shouted at the top of his lungs. I spent the next three years trying to convince him that those weren't words he could scream in public. He never listened to me. The other moment I can never forget was when Rena and Bob took us to a community event in the suburbs. We were sitting with three other couples at a dinner table when a local beauty pageant began. We all started betting on the winner, and each of us put a dollar down in front of our plates. Suddenly, seeing the scene, a gentle waitress walked over. With a big smile, she went around and collected our single dollars, one by one, looking so thankful and calm. We looked at each other and started laughing like kids—but the loudest laugh was Bob’s. He said it was the best dollar he’d ever spent in his life. Knowing Bob is one of the best things that ever happened to me. See you soon, Bob D’Onofrio—yes, we debated for years on where the apostrophe should go, and we will resume that debate when we meet again. I love you, Bob.