Robert "Bob" Charles Flary

Robert (Bob) Charles Flary, 89, of Grayslake, Ill. passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by loved ones on June 8, 2026.  

He was born April 4, 1937, to George and Grace Flary in Round Lake, Ill. 

His parents built a house in 1947 on Lake St. in Grayslake, which is where Bob and his brothers Ross and Alan grew up. Bob graduated from Grayslake Central High School in 1955 and in 1957 he joined the army and received his aircraft mechanic license, serving for 3 years. 

On an outing with friends in Waukegan in 1960, Bob met the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen, his future wife, Kathleen (Kitty). They married on April 1, 1961 and they celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary this year. Together they had six children, 16 grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren with their newest great-granddaughter born this past May.

Bob worked for United Airlines for 32 years as an aircraft mechanic and retired in 2000. An aviation enthusiast since he was young, he received his private pilots license and enjoyed flying family members around Illinois and Wisconsin for fun day trips, creating many fond memories. Bob instilled his love of aviation in his two sons and for Bob’s 80th birthday, the three of them took a flight in a B-17 bomber. In 2020, his son George also received his private pilots license.  

Bob purchased his childhood home where he raised his family and resided until his passing. Bob and Kitty built many additions to the home making it their own which made it a favorite place for the whole family to gather and celebrate holidays, birthdays, enjoy game nights, work on projects, and tell stories.

Bob was not known to be a chatterbox but when he did have a good story to share, he would have the entire room cracking up with stories from his childhood, his time at United, and adventures with his wife. Bob’s family and many extended family members will always remember him for his quiet, kind, and calm nature. So calm, he was a master at naps. He could take a nap almost anywhere. Even at a large family party with grandchildren playing around him; which ironically, was one of his most favorite places to be.  

He is survived by his wife Katheen Flary, and children Donna Flary, Robert (Nancy) Flary Jr., Rhonda (James) McCormick, Marcine (Daniel) Zybinski, Cheryl (Lawrence) Olsen, and George Flary.

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