Robert Adler, of Niles

Published 8:36 am Monday, August 3, 2015

March 28, 1929 — July 30, 2015

Robert “Bob” Adler, 86, of Niles, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, July 30, 2015, following a lengthy illness.

Bob was born on March 28, 1929, to the late Hugo and Meta (Whitenberg) Adler, in Niles.

Bob was a graduate of Niles High School, class of 1946. On Oct. 18, 1953, Bob wed Marlene Janet Gray at a ceremony in Hammond, Indiana. Together they had two sons: Michael and David. Marlene passed away in 1996. On Aug. 20, 1999, Bob married Esther M. Cox who passed away in 2014.

Robert Adler

Robert Adler

Bob was a devoted Kawneer International employee for more than 44 years, retiring as vice president of international sales. He also served the Niles community in many facets. He was a 1st Ward Alderman from 1966 to 1970 and was the City of Niles finance director as well as instrumental in the Niles Urban Renewal. Bob also was a local leader who worked diligently to bring the community together during tensions in the 1960s. Bob was a member of the Notre Dame University Club.

Bob thoroughly enjoyed fishing and time in the water on his boat “Charlie Brown.” He also liked to play golf, worked on cars in his younger days and enjoyed tinkering around the garage. Bob also enjoyed woodworking and valued his time with friends playing bridge. He never missed an opportunity to watch the Chicago Bears and also enjoyed hockey.

In addition to his parents, Marlene and Esther, Bob was preceded in death by a brother, Orville Adler and two sisters, Vivian Crawford and Margaret O’Toole.

Bob is survived by his sons, Michael (Carol) Adler of Naples, Florida and David (Tallene) Adler of Idaho Falls, Idaho; six grandchildren; one great grandson; and two nieces and five nephews.

A time of visitation will be at Brown Funeral Home on Monday, Aug. 3, 2015, from 6 until 8 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday at Brown Funeral Home at 10 a.m. with an interment following at Mission Hills Memorial Gardens.

Bob will be remembered for his kindness, generosity and devotion to his family, friends and the community.

Memorial contributions may be made in Bob’s memory to the American Cancer Society, the Humane Society or The Glaucoma Foundation, envelopes will be provided at the funeral home.

Those wishing to leave a message for the family or upload a picture of Bob may do so on our website at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, Niles.