I have fond memories of Uncle Bob and the time I got to spend with him. He always made me feel right at home during our visits. I remember one night when Craig and I were in Florida, the three of us sat outside on the deck, sharing a drink and watching the stars as Uncle Bob shared stories of the time he'd spent in my home country, the Philippines. I loved how knowledgeable and enthusiastic he was about my culture and our traditions. I am so glad he got to meet our daughter, Cameron, and got to spoil her even for a few days. We will definitely miss him, and keep his memories alive in our hearts. It brings comfort knowing he is reunited with the love of his life - Aunt Joy.

My deepest condolences.  May the love of those around you help you through the days ahead. 

My fondest memory of Bob will always be the first time we met in person. I was nervous meeting Bob and Joy for the first time. A couple of nights before Mike and Nikki’s wedding. Bob took the time to ask questions about my life including my time in the military. Bob asked about returning home from being overseas after fourteen months. The questions were from the view of a spouse, father, or child. 
They made sense because Bob always cared about everyone. Bob also asked about how they were doing with me being back home. 
Our son David who was around three was playing with Bob at the time. Bob said David was happy his dad was home. Thinking about that comment from Bob is something I will never forget. It has always weighed heavy on me when thinking about it especially as I get older. I can still hear that in Bob’s voice after almost two decades. 
For a time I thought Bob had been in the military. He had that impressive haircut! I asked Mike and Nikki on my next trip to Florida about Bob’s time in the service. That’s when all the questions Bob asked me that night made sense.  His concern for my wife and child’s well-being  after coming home was just as important to him as mine.  He wanted to know how coming home for the first went and was going even after a couple of years. I told him that I didn’t tell her and just showed up at the house and scared her. We laughed about it and I thought maybe he thinks I am an alright guy. 
Bob was and is the definition of a true family man. 
I have admired that quality about him since the day we met. 

Thank you Bob for your kindness I can’t even begin to explain how much your words meant to me.

Rest in peace, Bob

Mark, Rachel, and David Luna

We’re so very saddened to hear of Bob’s passing. Our memories of Bob are one of a welcoming, warm individual who always made you feel like you were family, even if you’d only just met him. Always so relaxed and with a story to tell, and maker of a great Old fashioned! A wonderful friend, father, and grandfather, of that there was no doubt.

We were extremely lucky to have met Bob and Joy through Mike and Nikki – my extended family without a doubt, and eternally grateful for having them in our lives. Fond memories of visiting them in Ohio, or Florida or having them fly over to the UK for our wedding. Such good times, such amazing people – these memories will be cherished. 

Rest in peace, Bob, and thank you for everything. 

Hoagy, Diana, Kaeden and Rowan

Part 2
One of my all time favorite memories of Uncle Bob doesn’t actually involve me. It was when he and Nikki had choreographed a dance at her wedding reception. That moment really captured their special bond and I felt so much joy for them to have that moment together. 

Uncle Bob accomplished so much in his lifetime, but his pride and joy were clearly his kids, their spouses and grandkids. He spoke of you with such pride.

Nikki and Rob - You Dad will be greatly missed. I know you find comfort in knowing that him and your Mom are reunited. I love you very much and am grateful for our many memories together. RIP, Uncle Bob.

Part 1
Some of my fondest childhood memories are Holidays spent with Uncle Bob, Aunt Joy, Nikki and Rob. I distinctly remember the excitement and anticipation I would feel to celebrate Christmas and Easter together at Grandma and Grandpa Fitz’s house… the smells of Holiday dinner, exchange of gifts, setting the formal table, egg hunts and whatever other shenanigans Nikki and I had going on. No doubt Uncle Bob was one of our best customers as Nikki and I played “waitress” at our restaurant in Grandma’s basement or had a front row seat to one of our many stellar gymnastics performances. 

And, I have so many fond memories sprinkled around those special occasions. Uncle Bob displayed a great amount of patience when he put a tennis racquet in my hand - I had thought I was somewhat of a natural athlete, but was humbled on that day! I remember him not giving up on me and that we had fun. 

When I had my first job as an interior designer, Uncle Bob and Aunt Joy called on me to help them select some floor tiles. They insisted on paying me for my time. It was not at all convenient for them to work with someone a state away. I know this was their way of supporting me as I entered the real world. 

I am thankful that Mason and I had a chance to take our girls to visit Aunt Joy, Uncle Bob, Nikki and Mike in Florida. They were great hosts and loved having our girls there. Uncle Bob was excited for us to test out some new foam rafts for the pool. Knowing my appreciation for quality furniture, Uncle Bob informed me that these new rafts had been a bit of an investment and even had their own rack in the garage, but were manufactured to withstand the southern elements so should last forever. Just as he finished telling me this, we walked out to the pool to see Little Livie sinking her teeth into one of the rafts. Oh, yes, she broke it in alright. She left a permanent impression. I was so embarrassed, but Uncle Bob was very forgiving!

Bob, you were the best teacher I had in my life.
You were the best boss I ever had. Your integrity and intelligence is something that I always will follow as I conduct my life.

We are united with the family through our prayers for eternal rest. Bob and Joy remain in our hearts through the beautiful memories.

-Islas Family

Anecdote: 
One time we went to entertain an important customer who picked the best restaurant in town. When I was looking at the menu, a big roach fell on my menu and when trying to get rid of it, it landed on Bob’s menu and he threw  the roach on the wall behind the customer who never suspected anything that happened in those few seconds of action.

Other anecdote: 
Anecdote:
On the first trip we made to Holland Bob told that to beat the jet lag it was best to drink a couple of beers and go to sleep afterwards. When we got on the plane we were talking about many projects and we had more than a couple of beers. We did not beat the jet lag but we had a great time.

Anecdote:
On a trip to Brazil, our suitcases got lost and we had to go to see clients in blue jeans and t-shirt at a time when everyone wore suits and ties. By the way, there was a lot of laughter and jokes because the suitcases were delayed for several days.

Nicki, a wonderful daughter to Bob and Joy. You can always count on us.

Anecdote:
Bob and I really liked Dowy Egberts Dutch coffee and on a trip to Holland Bob carried a large briefcase for that purpose, but at the supermarket the security came as they thought we were stealing. This was true passion for coffee.

Looking back on life, it’s hard to top a great core memory from your youth. And for me, Uncle Bob was a part of so many of those memories - summer trips to Kings Island, Reds games complete with La Rosas or Skyline, holiday gatherings, him intently listening to Rob and I go over the highlights from our latest epic whiffle ball battle as if he was watching SportsCenter, and on and on. So many great memories from those days and time spent with Uncle Bob, Aunt Joy, Rob, and Nikki. 
 
As I grew up, Uncle Bob’s knack for making things fun and his willingness to accommodate others never changed. There was the day I showed up in Naperville to stay with them for a summer internship that Uncle Bob had secured for me at Unichema... with two dogs in tow that I think I’d forgotten to mention would be joining me. There was the weekend that summer that Uncle Bob and Aunt Joy hosted some buddies from my hometown, including a trip to the horse track, and chauffeuring us around Chicago, as well as my first trips to Wrigley and Comiskey later that summer. The time between visits became longer over the years, as so often happens, but the quality of the time together never changed. The first big trip for my then-future wife and me was to visit Uncle Bob and Aunt Joy in Florida. Not long after that, was a return to Florida for Nikki and Mike's wedding - what a blast. And eventually a visit at a point where I had become a husband, father, and uncle myself, and we were able to introduce our daughter to Uncle Bob.
 
Through all the years, Uncle Bob could not have been more generous and welcoming to me, my family, and my friends. It was so much fun the whole way through. 
 
It brings some comfort to know Uncle Bob and Aunt Joy are now reunited. They were always so great together. I’m grateful I got to be a part of their lives, and they were a part of ours. Rob and Nikki, what incredible testaments you both are to your Mom and Dad. We love you guys, and will pray that time brings peace.

Please accept my sincere condolences in this difficult time. I spent about 6 or 7 weeks in the company of Mr. Drennan, he was a very respectful man, very pleasant and sympathetic at the same time, I appreciate him very much, how could you not appreciate him with this temperance that he had, he smiled and hummed songs. Marie!

In the mid 80s Bob was recruited by Uniqema to establish an Oleochemicals business in North America. He later helped identify a small,rundown facility in the former Chicago stockyards area. Upon seeing this shoddy facility the chairman of Uniqema was seen shaking his head and heard to say “Bob you must have a lot of vision”. Vision Bob certainly did have. Along  with great leadership, drive and a lot of hard work he was the patriarch of what is today a North American showcase facility and industry leading business. Bob was also a great friend and mentor to many. He will never be forgotten.

Deepest sympathy and respect to the Drennan family on the passing of this great man.  Bob was a leader, mentor, visionary, and much more.  I thank him for bringing me into the Unichema organization and allowing me to develop and contribute.  May he rest in peace.

Byron K. McGee

Bob,
Thank you for your love, kindness and especially your big hugs..
I’ll miss that big smile and all the stories  😊

I Love you with all my heart ❤️ 

Sandy

One of my favorite memories with Bob was when we were standing outside waiting to go in for dinner and a piece of cake landed on his head from the second story of the building.  We all laughed and I told Bob it was time for a drink. From day one Bob and Joy welcomed my family and I into their family and we will always be grateful for that. I’ll always cherish the memories of this wonderful man.

My all time favorite rollercoaster buddy. The only one not scared to ride the big ones!

Bob was so patient with me and enjoyed swimming all day.

Pat and I and the whole of our family and friends in the UK, send sincere condolences for the loss of Bob. 
A wonderful husband, Dad and Grandad. A friend to so many especially those made here in Coventry UK when he and Joy visited for our son's wedding.
I have so much to be grateful to both Bob and Joy. Their hospitality whenever we visited Florida, was second to none. It came naturally to them as they were both such genuine people.
I remember Bob driving,  in the middle of the night, to collect Hoagy who was having a not so good time in Chicago, and I was 4000 miles away tearing my hair out. Bob  took him home to Ohio and made him better. We called them his surrogate mum and dad. 
That's how they were made....just supporting and helping and giving....just really, really nice people..
It is so sad, to think, after giving so much, Bob had to suffer in the last years of his life. He is at peace now, and out of pain.  Rejoining with his soul mate, Joy.
RIP Bob.

Bob was a great person excellent family man to all kids and grandkids great husband to his wife joy a professional businessman and mentor to many he lived a full life and I enjoyed the times I was able to be in his presence he’s in heaven with joy and will look down upon us and there will always be good memories to be shared rest in peace  Robert respectfully Jack mutz jr🙏🏼

OBITUARY

Robert "Bob" J Drennan

29 September, 1944 – 11 October, 2024

Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park & Funeral Home

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