Max Bob Jacob

M. Robert "Bob" Jacob

September 28, 1937 – July 15, 2026

It is with profound sadness and deep gratitude for a life well lived that the family of Robert "Bob" Jacob announces his passing on July 15, 2026, at Endeavor Highland Park Hospital. He was 88 years old.

Bob was born on September 28, 1937, in Chicago, Illinois, to Louis Jacob and Ruth Jacob (née Meyerson). Raised on Chicago's West Side in a proud Persian Sephardic Jewish family, he was the eldest of three children and grew up surrounded by the values of faith, perseverance, family, and community that would guide him throughout his life.

Growing up near Garfield Park, Bob embraced responsibility at an early age. As a teenager he worked as a concession vendor at Chicago's legendary sports venues—including Wrigley Field, Comiskey Park, and Chicago Stadium—experiences that helped shape his remarkable work ethic while creating a lifelong affection for the city he proudly called home. He also treasured evenings spent playing cards with friends in Douglas Park, memories that remained among his favorite stories throughout his life.

Following his graduation from Roosevelt University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration degree, Bob proudly served in the Illinois National Guard. His family has requested military honors in recognition of his honorable service to our country.

Bob's professional life reflected curiosity, entrepreneurship, and an extraordinary ability to build lasting relationships. He began his career with Warner-Lambert and Alva-Amco before establishing himself as an independent manufacturer's representative. Throughout his business career he represented numerous consumer product lines, including Jason Naturals, while developing extensive expertise in international import and export, particularly in textiles and wallpaper. In later years he continued his professional journey in glass furnishings manufacturing.

While Bob enjoyed professional success, his greatest accomplishments were never measured by business titles or sales achievements. They were measured by the family he and his beloved wife, Donna, built together.

After beginning their married life in Chicago's Rogers Park neighborhood, Bob and Donna eventually made Chicago's North Shore their permanent home across from Sunset Woods Park. There they raised their three sons, became longtime members of Beth El Congregation, and established a home where family traditions, laughter, independence, hard work, and familial support were constants.

Bob believed deeply in showing up for the people he loved. Whether offering advice, lending a helping hand, celebrating life's milestones, or quietly supporting those facing challenges, he demonstrated that family was life's greatest investment. His children and grandchildren knew him as a steady presence whose wisdom was often expressed through actions more than words.

He is survived by his beloved wife of many years, Donna S. Jacob; his sons, Dr. Mark Jacob and his wife Ann(née Shorrock), Gary Jacob and Shantal Alonso, and Joel Jacob and his wife Deanna(née Bush); and his cherished grandchildren, Bryan, Alex, Maya, Eli, Sophia, and Jayson, each of whom brought him enormous pride and joy.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Louis Jacob and Ruth Jacob(née Meyerson); his brother, Sidney Jacob, and sister-in-law, Janet Jacob(née Wooton); and his sister, Terry Kane(née Jacob).

Bob remained proud throughout his life of his Persian Sephardic Jewish heritage and the traditions that connected generations of his family. He believed in hard work, personal integrity, lifelong learning, and treating people with dignity and respect. Those values became the quiet foundation upon which he built his life.

His legacy lives on not only through the generations of his family but also through the countless friendships, professional relationships, and acts of kindness that defined his character. He leaves behind a family strengthened by his example and inspired by the values he lived every day.

A graveside service with Military Honors will be held on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at the Waldheim Cemetery, 1550 Des Plaines Ave., Forest Park, IL, Progressive Order of the West (POW), Gate 37.  Rabbi Nancy Landsman will officiate.

The family is planning a memorial at a later date, to be announced.

Memorial Contributions

Those wishing to honor Bob's memory may consider making a contribution toward living memorials through one of the following organizations:

Jewish National Fund (JNF) – Memorial Tree Program in Israel

Park District of Highland Park – Community Tree Planting Program

The family hopes these living memorials will reflect Bob's enduring commitment to family, community, and future generations.

May his memory forever be a blessing.

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