In loving memory of
Robert James Walicki

• Passed away on August 22, 2020

Our hearts were filled with sorrow when we learned about the passing of our good buddy, Bob. It did not take long, after we moved into
Naples' Vanderbilt Country Club in 1999, for us to become the closest of friends with our dear winter neighbors, Bob & Jeanette.
We will dearly miss Bob's mischievous grin & infectious "heh...heh...heh" that accented his innumerable "head-shaking" stories around home, almost daily, and frequently at our "meat & potatoes" meals at our Club & a variety of local eateries.
We will always fondly remember our exploratory venture to Key West with them, punctuated by our initial "arm-in-arm" stroll down to Main Street, and the fun we had when they came to visit our place in the mountains of NC.
Some of our warmest memories were those heart-felt chats about the antics of his dear kitty (Whitey) & our 3 (Spooky, Molly & Spunky).
And, though we spent many hours viewing & discussing sports, our most meaningful discussions were about God & Church. These conversations eventually led to our mutual decision to "come forward" at the North Naples Baptist Church, and to be baptized in the Gulf of Mexico by our favorite, former Pastor Hayes Wicker. Bob served as a loyal volunteer with the Naples' "Men's Golf Fellowship" of weekly Christian Speaker breakfasts, and an inaugural, committed member of our local MGF Discussion Group at Vanderbilt CC.
His Detroit friends affectionately called him the "Wizard", because of his delightful sense of humor, wisdom & working knowledge of human nature. And, we are pleased that our gift remembrance to honor that personification of him still hangs in their living room.
We pray that the Lord is enjoying the endearing presence of our "Wizard" now, as much as we did over the past 20 years.
May God bless you, Robert, & continue to look after your dear wife, Jeanette, by filling you both with the Peace of Christ for all eternity,
through the power of His Holy Spirit. With all our love, till we meet again: Betty, Dick & Spunky Burnett

Jeanette and I have been friends since high school, CCD classes, teen classes, Richard, and her mother's fried chicken dinners. When I met Bob, a few years after college , I knew she had met her one and only. He cracked me up from the very beginning and kept it up during the many years my husband and I have known him.
We have always enjoyed his funny stories, quick out-of-the-blue hilarious comments, stories of life, generosity of his time and home, the card game of Golf, and willingness to play Scrabble, (he didn't like Scrabble).
Bob loved his country and always had his flag outside of his home. Bob had a great memory and could come up with random details throughout our conversations, was called the Wizard, (and smelled wonderful), too.
We'll miss him forever...he was a wonderful friend and husband, father, and grandfather.

Words cannot describe who Bob was and so words also cannot describe the loss the Blanco family is feeling right now. Heaven has gained an Angel. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Jeaneatte,
My memories flash back to Zajac family gatherings. Cousin Bob had the patience to include and chat wit his kid cousin, me.
May love envelope you now.
Cousin Kathy

Our condolences to Jeanette and family on Bob's passing.
The following are snip-its of our wonderful memories of Bob. We had the good fortune to be neighbors for 20 years on Lilac Street. Bob is the true definition of "neighbor". He was the bonding thread to our block.His concern for all was commonplace as he traipsed around checking on all. Along the way he would share a joke with his infectious smile and twinkle in his eye; you couldn't help but laugh. His heart was bigger than Santa Claus. The Woodhaven Marching Band would silently assemble in the dark on his front lawn before Christmas break and play caroles we all enjoyed. Neighborhood folklore has it that during football season Bob was the prankster with accomplices who would remind all that Michigan was the best team in the Nation. GO BLUE! Our cat Domino even had a "M" shirt to wear and Bob would walk him proudly on his leash. Nicknames were fondly given and to this day remain in use. Block parties were arranged under his direction and matching shirts ordered for all attendees with the picture of his favorite buddy, Podz, on them. Bob would hold court daily in Podz's garage aka "The Lodge", where verbal jousting back and forth occurred and the days events discussed. Women could visit but not cross the cement line into the "Lodge". Although Bob and Jeanette moved to Florida years ago; the house is still referred to as "Walicki's". Bob is a legend and we are proud to have been a part of his wonderful life! Hugs!
Byron, Beth, Byron and Bill Howard

Our condolences to all. Bob was a true joy to know. A good man who made you feel welcome and important with just enough mischievous shenanigans to make him great fun to be around! Will miss him greatly. Love and prayers to Jeannette and family.
Jane and Pat Scahill

Bob, or should I say my man. You were my father in law for many years. I couldn’t have asked for a better one. Your jokes, laughs and smile always made my day. You were an amazing Dad, Popo and friend. You were always there for us any minute or day of the year. I love you dearly ❤️ You will be missed deeply. I have all the memories tucked in my heart ❤️ Thank you for being a part of our lives. Rest In Peace.

Bob,

Cooper is really going to miss you. The connection you both shared was special and once in a lifetime. Thanks for always being so good to me and making sure that Coop & I were always taken care of. I know Coop wished he would've been able to see you one last time. But he will always hold near to his heart the weekly zoom calls. Love you, Christian

Bob was one of the first people that I met when I started at Ford. He took me under his wing immediately. That was almost 28 years ago, and we were friends ever since then. He was a great friend, man, father, husband and grandfather. He will be missed. Prayers for the entire family.

I worked with Bob in the same department for about 10 years @ Ford Motor. He loved to talk sports,life, and family. Many times I felt like I personally knew you all, especially Kevin. Bob was quite a character (I know you can attest to that). He had a unique sense of humor and kept the department loose, which often was needed. I visited Bob in Naples after my retirement and stayed overnite and truly had many conversations about our lives and how great it was to have known each other. I will miss his laugh and that funny grin always making you wonder what he was up to next.
My deepest sympathy to the entire family and thank you for this opportunity to remember the “WIZARD”