All services will be held at St. Therese Catholic Church. Visitation 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday, August 14, 2023, where the Rosary will be prayed at 7:00 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Fr. Joseph Cisetti presiding. A Committal Service will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, Kansas City, MO, where Military Honors will be presented under the auspices of the United States Navy Honor Guard.
Robert Joseph Szabo led a rich and fulfilling life that was deeply rooted in family, community, and service. Born on July 13, 1935, in South Bend, Indiana, his journey was marked by significant milestones and meaningful connections. He passed away peacefully with his wife by his side on August 10, 2023 in KC, MO.
Bob attended Our Lady of Hungary grade school and graduated from Riley High School in South Bend, IN. After high school, he worked at Bendix Corporation for 2 years. And, in 1957, he entered the United States Navy for 2 years, where he was stationed on the U.S.S. Moale. Bob then went on to graduate from Indiana University and was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon.
Bob met Mary Lou Lundergan in Louisville, KY and they were joined in marriage on June 1, 1963. And they recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Together, they were blessed with four children: Kari Szabo, Timothy Robert Szabo, Erin Lynn Szabo Mertz, and Rebecca Susann Szabo Mertz.
Professionally, Bob found his niche in the vinyl siding industry, holding roles at Mastic Corporation in South Bend, IN and Variform Plastics in KC, MO. In 1982, he took a bold step by establishing his own business, K-Ter Imagineering, named after his children.
Bob’s strong faith was evident through his 52-years at St. Therese Parish, where he also contributed his musical talents to the choir for two decades. As he retired, his passion for giving back took center stage, as he dedicated his time to serving those in need through St. Vincent de Paul. Through his commitment to service, he earned the Bishop Award, a testament to his outstanding contributions to the Catholic Diocese.
Beyond his professional achievements and community involvement, his greatest joy was being a loving father, grandfather and great grandfather. Nothing brought him greater joy than watching their various activities and sports. He had a knack for finding joy in simple pleasures, whether it was music, storytelling, gardening, or merely being surrounded by his family. He was an amazing man who gave great hugs and always had a kiss on the cheek for you!
Bob was preceded in death by his son, Timothy Robert (1977); his parents Joseph and Ann Szabo; and brother Ray Szabo (2020). In addition to Mary Lou, survivors include their three daughters: Kari Szabo, Erin Lynn Szabo Mertz and husband, Darren; and Rebecca Susann Szabo Mertz and husband, Brian; grandchildren: Telsie Szabo, Grant Mertz, Ayden Mertz, Barett Mertz, Avery Mertz, Garrison Mertz, Anderson Mertz, Giorgia Mertz; and 4 great grandchildren, Walker, Sadie, Grayden and Riggs; sister, Marilyn Hardy.
Robert Joseph Szabo’s life story is a tapestry woven with threads of family, faith, service, and love. His journey serves as an inspiration to all who are fortunate to hear his tale, reminding us of the profound impact one individual can have on their loved ones and the wider community.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions are suggested to the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry at St. Therese Parish.
The passing of a loved one shatters the entire family and friends.
Prayers are always helpful during this time. Many will be offered up by me.
Our deepest sympathies to you, Mary Lou, and your wonderful family. Bob will forever live in our hearts as we recall fondly the memories surrounding our relationship. We are honored to be his friend.
Connie & Phil Burress
Bob was a wonderful man that will be missed by many. Sorry for the loss.
What a wonderful man who always had the best smile. Prayers for the Szabo Family.
So sorry for your loss
I pray your faith in the Lord will give you strength and courage as you go through this season of loss of your beloved one.
Bobs’s spirit lives in the heart of each of you.
Praise the Lord for all your loving memories.
I’m so sorry for your loss. He was a good man. You both were so good to me. I appreciated your friendship. Again I’m so sorry for your loss.
Sincerely,
Molly Maher
So very sorry to hear of the passing of Bob, what a great guy. Bill &I thought the world of him. May he Rest In Peace. My thoughts & prayers are with you & your family at this difficult time in your lives.
My deepest sympathy and prayers go to Mary Lou and children and family. Bob was so admired and respected by so many, at church and the community. We know our Lord holds Bob and all of you in His loving hands. He will be sadly missed by everyone.
Pat Medill
Such a wonderful man! I enjoyed getting to know Bob as he continued to share his musical talents with the choir while we were at St Therese. Always remember him with that gentle smile. Peace to all of you.
So sorry for the loss of Bob. He was indeed a good man. He will will be missed.
So sorry for your loss Rebecca. Your family is in our prayers.
The passing of my brother
Is a great loss to me and his family . We lived many miles apart but I new he was there. Bob and I had a close connection from the time we were kids. He was my friend and confidant always. I feel the emptiness but knowing he is with God and those loved ones who passed before him gives me joy.
Mary Lou, Kari, Erin,and Rebecca and grand children, I send my deepest condolences
from deep in my heart
to all of you and as Bob’s family we will mourn together and gain strength to go on a d keep
him in our hearts always.
I love you all from Bob’s
little sister, Marilyn
My thoughts and prayers go out to Mary Lou, Erin and family. It was always a more enjoyable time for me at the ballpark while watching Riley play, if I could sit next to Bob and talk about baseball, family and life. I will always remember those times with a smile on my face. I hope all your wonderful memories will fill your heart and bring you peace.
To know Bob was to know peace…a quiet man filled with advice, stories and humor. Heaven has gained an example of love and tenderness. The Hill families pray for Bob’s family in this temporary loss; until we individually join him in our next gathering.
We send our deepest sympathies for your loss. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Remember Bob and family at so many parish activities. Cherish the special memories with love.
Bob was an extraordinarily kind and generous man. He is missed by all who knew him.
I was a freshman at Indiana University when I met Bob. We joined the same fraternity and Bob became our President. While we went I separate ways after college, I will never forget this great man. He was all things to all people even back then.