Robert G. Buttala Jr.

Robert G. "Bob" Buttala Jr., 62, of Tinley Park, Illinois, passed away peacefully following a courageous two-year battle with pancreatic cancer.

Bob was the beloved husband of Virginia "Virgie" Buttala (née Dombrowski). Loving father of Caroline (Zack) Smith, Justice (Alyssa) Buttala, and AJ Buttala. Dear brother of Michael (Judi) Buttala and the late Ann (Bob) Sanfilippo. Cherished son of the late Robert "Papa Jack" Buttala and the late Betty Buttala.

Bob was also a caring nephew of Alexis (Roger) Leggero, Bob (the late Peggy) Schneider, and Betty (Kenny) Angotti, and a devoted uncle to Mason, Joe, and Nino Sanfilippo, and Mitchell and Davis Buttala.

Virgie and Bob met through the Dombrowski family, as he was best friends with two of Virgie's brothers, Mark and Pat. Several years after college, and with the blessing of the Dombrowski family, Bob finally gathered the courage to ask Virgie out. In time, Bob truly became a Dombrowski, loved by the entire family and embraced as an uncle, cousin, and brother to many.

Bob dedicated his life to service and education. He worked as a high school mathematics teacher and proudly served the community of Tinley Park as a volunteer firefighter, later retiring as a Tinley Park Fire Inspector. Above all, Bob's greatest joy and proudest role was being a devoted stay-at-home father, dedicating himself fully to raising his children and supporting them in achieving their dreams and goals.

He and Virgie took and early retirement, enjoying three winters in Cocoa Beach Florida. He enjoyed many trips over the past 2 years including a trip with each of his grown children.
When Bob was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in July 2024, he chose to openly share his diagnosis, treatment plan and journey with his extended family and friends. He handled his 20-month journey with grace, strength and courage enabling his family and friends to do the same.

Bob will be deeply missed by his large and loving extended family and numerous circles of friends from his school days, the University of Illinois, the Tinley Park Fire Department, his Indy Jacks community, and the Eiche Turner Society, where he proudly served as past president.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, March 18, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Vandenberg Funeral Home, 17248 Harlem Avenue, Tinley Park, IL 60477. Funeral will commence Thursday, 10:00 AM at the funeral home to St. Stephen Catholic Church for Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 AM. Interment will be held privately at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Bob's name may be made to Tinley Wish, online at Tinley-Wish.org or donations can be mailed to Tinley Wish c/o TP Fire Department 17355 68th Court Tinley Park, IL. 60477.