Robert Joseph Furman

Robert was born on June 9, 1950, to Joseph A. and Ann M. Furman in Hammond. After Robert graduated from Bishop Noll Institute in 1968, he went on to study Electrical Engineering at Purdue University. While studying at Purdue, Robert started his lifelong career of 48 years at Inland Steel Company in East Chicago, during which time he received his Bachelor of Science.

On June 23 of 1973, Robert married Sharon Rae Krager at Our Lady of Grace Church in Highland, IN. Robert and Sharon went on to have two children, Kimberly and Teresa, who he considered his greatest accomplishments. Robert embodied the best of qualities: unconditional love, strength of spirit, and unending generosity that could be seen in his care for his family and all living creatures.

Robert’s canine companions were very dear to him. Dame, Cocoa, Honey, and Harley are excited to see him and certainly on a long walk with him now. Aviation was a passion of Robert’s, and he took great pride in getting his pilot’s license in 1996. He spent as much time as possible in the air. In 2020, Robert retired and spent his time with his family, and building and collecting models. Robert had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. He often spent time reading technical books.

Robert was predeceased by his wife, Sharon, who passed away March 31, 2011; his father, Joseph A. Furman, who passed away August 23, 2011; and his mother, Ann M. Furman, who passed away May 19, 2012.

Robert is survived by his two daughters, Kimberly Ann (John) Crawford of Greenwood, IN and Teresa Marie (Danny) Blake of Westville, IN; six grandchildren, Kyle, Jackson, Kaelynn, Abigail, Matthew, and Nathan; four siblings, Janet (Frank) Kolarczyk of Hobart, IN, Ronald Furman of Ogden Dunes, IN,Susan Mary (John) Sulicz of Highland, IN, and Ralph (Sharon) Furman of Crown Point, IN, as well as several nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at 10:30 AM DIRECTLY at Saint James the Less Catholic Church, 9640 Kennedy Avenue, Highland, IN, 46322, with Father Gregory officiating. Burial at St. John - St. Joseph Catholic Cemeteries, 1547 167th Street, Hammond, IN 46320. Friends may visit the family on Monday, May 13, 2024, from 3:00 to 7:00 PM at Kuiper Funeral Home, 9039 Kleinman Road, Highland, IN 46322.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.KuiperFH.com for the Furman family.