Robert Graves

Robert Edward "Bob" Graves, age 84, Retired Lieutenant with the Chicago Fire Department Engine 96 and United States Marine Corps Veteran, passed away peacefully on August 29, 2026. Bob was the beloved husband of Valeria Ann "Val" "Lari" (Sirvidas) for 58 wonderful years; loving father of Christine M. (Paul Franciszkowicz) Graves, Det. Robert J. "Bobby" C.P.D. (Janay) Graves and Kathleen G. "Kathy" (Steve) Fielding; dearest son of the late Alice (O'Brien) and the late George Graves; cherished grandfather of Kyle Graves C.P.D., Alexis and Emily Franciszkowicz, Kaitlyn Fielding, Rylee Graves, Sean and Amanda Fielding; dear brother of the late Thomas (the late Patsy) and the late William (Nancy) Graves, and brother in-law of Mary (Jerry) Ley and the late Bob (Nancy) Sirvidas. He was a fond uncle, cousin and friend of many.

Like all great men, Bob Graves had humble beginnings. He grew up on the west side of Chicago and while attending St Angela’s he made life long friends. At Fenwick and Austin High Schools, he sported a typical greased ducktail and leather jacket while trying (sometimes unsuccessfully) to stay out of trouble . Many amusing tales resulted from his from his high school hijinks. Bob always had lots of friends and NEVER said no to a good time. He hung out in lots of bars and is never able to go somewhere without someone knowing him. He was lucky enough to meet the love of his life, Valeria, in a bar and they were married for 58 years!

Bob was always a hard worker and as a teen and young man he had various jobs. After trying out many careers…he finally found his true calling and became a fireman for the City of Chicago. Bob was a real hero, literally, he saved dozens of lives while working as a Chicago Fireman and later Lieutenant for 33 years. He even saved the lives of 2 of his neighbors in the middle of the night while off duty when their house was on fire- in his underwear he dragged them out of the flames! Bob had a few close calls of his own at work, saving lives and/or property is a dangerous job. Luckily for us, the worst injury he ever received was a torn rotator cuff when a roof collapsed on him.

In 1975 he had a second job driving a truck, but fulfilled a life long dream by buying a little tavern on Irving which we all know as Heeney’s. Bob loved being a bar owner for 36 years. He helped countless people by employing them, loaning people money, listening to their woes, crying at their failures and celebrating their victories. Heeney's St Patrick’s Day parties were legendary. Heeney’s was a real life “Cheers.”

Bob’s greatest success was as a husband and father. He took pride in being a “family man” and is the proud father of Christine, his precious, Bobby, his pal, and Kathy his princess. He was always there for his kids by coaching several teams and attending all his kids activities, supporting them through school, dealing with mom, loaning money, giving advice (wanted or unwanted) and always taking care of them. It follows then that he is also the greatest grandfather to Kyle, Alexis, Emily, Kaitlyn, Rylee, Sean, & Amanda. He is always there to entertain with Elmo, give his laughing kisses, come to a sporting event or play/recital, and dole out cookies and/or $5 bills.

Bob Graves made the world a better place.

Visitation Tuesday, September 8, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Cumberland Chapels 8300 W. Lawrence Ave., Norridge, IL. Funeral services begin at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, at the funeral home, and will then proceed to St. Celestine Church (Mother Theodore Guerin Parish) 3020 N. 76th Ct. Elmwood Park, IL for Mass at 11:00 a.m. All Services will conclude following Mass and the interment will be private. Please Omit Flowers. For more information call (708)456-8300.