Robert Thomas McKenna Sagartz passed away at the age of 36, on May 2, 2004. He is survived by his mother, Kathleen McKenna-Cooper, stepfather, Thomas Cooper, father, Robert William Sagartz, sister Emma Rose Sagartz, brothers, Thomas (Mallory nee Bernstein) and Todd Cooper, sisters, Stephanie (Mark Shippy) Karen (Joesph Adeoye) and Kristina Cooper, Nephews, Tyler and Fox Cooper, Alec and Sean Shippy, Nieces, the late, Ciara Perez and Everly Cooper and many, many uncles, aunts and cousins.
He attended Lane Tech College Prep, and Wright College. He was a stickler for grammar, and he represented his class every year at Farnsworth Elementary, in the annual spelling bee. He also spoke fluent Spanish.
From the age of 18 he was an avid scuba diver, and was open water certified thru Diveheart. It remained one of his lifelong passions. He loved it so much, one of his dive trainers nick-named him “Fish-Boy”.
Since he was registered to vote, he never missed an election, not a primary, not a run-off. Once, while in-patient in the hospital, he voted in a run-off election. The ballot only included one office.
He will be best remembered for his huge heart, and his ability to always find the “good” in everyone. Throughout his life, Robert was plagued by numerous physical and medical problems. He was not deterred. He worked hard to become independent, and live his life to the fullest, and HE DID!
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Diveheart.org.
Friends and family will gather for a visitation for Robert that will be held on Friday, May 10th, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Malec & Sons Funeral Home, 6000 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, IL 60646. A final viewing and chapel prayers will occur on Saturday, May, 11th, 2024 at 9 AM. A Mass of Christian Burial will occur on Saturday, May 11th, 2024 at 10AM at Queen of All Saints Basilica, 6280 North Sauganash Avenue, Chicago, IL 60646 followed by a chapel service at Maryhill Cemetery, Niles, IL.
Fond memories, condolences and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MalecAnsSonsFH.com for the Mckenna-Sagartz family.
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