Robert "Bob" Stanley Uryga, Sr.

Robert "Bob" Stanley Uryga, Sr.
May 9, 1944 - May 24, 2024

Robert "Bob" Stanley Uryga, Sr. of Michiana Shores, was born on May 9, 1944 in Chicago, Illinois. He passed away on Friday, May 24, 2024 at the young age of 80.

Funeral services will be held at 7:00 p.m., Thursday, May 30, 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 time of service 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-surviving) 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); three children, Robert Uryga Jr. (Son-58), Ronald Uryga (Son-56), and Lee Dunham (Daughter-47); two brothers, John (Rachel) Uryga and Joseph (Joyce - dec.) Uryga; and one sister, Rosemary (Bob) Eaton. His legacy and fun loving spirit will continue to live on through his grandchildren, Annabelle (26), Jacob (22), Emma (20), and Rei (19), and so many more that were taken under his wing throughout the years.

On May 8, 1965, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, in La Porte, Indiana, he married his lifelong partner, Leona Ann Konieczny; after courting her for years from a different city and 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.

While a member of the department he helped his wife's journey with the junior firemen's group for the community's younger generation. He aided with teaching the youth leadership, compassion, and how to hold themselves and others accountable.

Although the junior firemen's group dissipated as the youth aged, he continued to teach the youth these traits as his children and their friends grew to have children of their own; often being seen as the father and grandfather of the neighborhood.

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, as well as serving as District 3 Chairman for 15 years, Bass Lake Volunteer Fire Department. Finally made him an honorary member. Other positions he was known to serve the community included: holding a position on the town council, Assistant Precinct Chairman, and judge for the local areas elections for over 18 years.

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 two time cancer survivor and successfully survived his smoking habit along with his first heart attack at the age of 54.

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 loved to love and tease his orange tabby Goody-goody and his Chocalate Lab, Sadie, who both left before him. He was the type of man who would give you the shirt off his back but more importantly a man who enjoyed traveling the 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.

Bob was a hard man on the outside with a heart of gold on the inside; constantly pushing his loved ones to be their best and being willing to assist anyone who had fallen or needed a helping hand around him. 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.

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