Robert M. Pohlit

Bob has been known by many names. He was born Robert Michael Pohlit, but many called him Bob. He was known as Pops, Dad, Buster, Bobby, but his most treasured name was Grandpa.  Now, he’s taken on the most important role of his life…that of Guardian Angel.  

Robert Michael Pohlit was born in Chicago, IL on December 15th, 1957.  He was the son of Mary Esther Palmer and Charles Pohlit, and was the middle child of five; older brothers William “Billy”, Charles “Chucky”, older sister Marie, and younger brother Michael.  Robert's maternal grandparents Harriet and Bert Palmer, had roots in the United States dating back into the 1700’s - that had immigrated from England, Scotland, Ireland, and Whales.  His paternal lineage included grandparents Josephine (Tomczyk) and Charles Pohilt, of Polish/Ukrainian descent.

Bob grew up on the north side of Chicago.  Raised by his mother Mary from the age of 5, much of his childhood included poverty and hardship. He shared many fond memories of times spent with his siblings and cousins growing up.  Most of the stories included mischief and shenanigans.   He would visit his Aunt Ruth and Uncle Bert in the country and was very close with his uncles, Richard & Bob (his namesake). As a young man, he spent summers at Belmont Harbor and on the beaches of Lake Michigan playing music and hanging out with friends.  He played drums & guitar, loved to sing, and attended hundreds of rock concerts and festivals over the years.  He loved all things music.  

When Mary fell ill, Bob spent time at Angel Guardian Orphanage with his siblings.  Even though he was the middle child, he was a caretaker, protector, and made sure his mother and siblings had what they needed to survive.  He attended numerous grammar schools as the Pohlit family moved quite often, and received much of his education on the streets and through self-teaching.  Leaving home at the age of 14, Bob forged his own path through his teenage & young adult years.

He met the love of his life, Eileen Baiocchi, in 1978.  Love at first sight had them dating within the week. While they married 20 years and 4 children later, they partnered in every adventure including cross-country moves. Bob’s greatest pride & joy came in raising his children. 

On his journey as a young man, Bob held various jobs that included working with the circus, movie extra positions, restaurant jobs, and that of a palm tree trimmer.  His path continued West to the small beach town of Cayucos, CA.  Here he quickly established himself as, “Bob the Painter''.  He often joked about painting the entire town which had only 3,000 residents! Many of his most loved clients were senior citizens.  He was often found volunteering his time by putting up Christmas lights, hanging pictures, or doing odd jobs for the elderly. Bob was truly a “Jack-of-all-trades” and could fix anything, and he passed down his knowledge to his kids whom he often brought on jobsites.  It was there - on the Central coast that he mastered masonry & concrete work. He often worked in steel erection and & when not on the job, he spent his time with his family, taking the kids to the beach, volleyball or basketball games, hiking and on the ocean - fishing or boating.

A supportive husband & provider, Bob took his family back East where Eileen worked for television stations in Missouri, and Indiana, before making his way home to the Chicago Area.  Living only a mile away from his mother-in-law Dorothy, meant he was kept busy.  While being around family and in a familiar setting was a blessing, his health demanded that he live in a more moderate climate.  He moved back to California in 2000, and lived in San Leandro. Well known for his small backyard orchard he was happiest when spending time with his family, tending to his garden and plants, or helping his children with home projects or advice. 

A kind neighbor, a loyal friend and the best Grandpa ever - someone who loved meeting & talking with others, a father who broke the cycle of poverty and neglect, he lived a content & happy life with his partner of 45 years, Eileen. 

Bob is survived by his brother, Michael Pohlit, his loving wife Eileen Baiocchi, children Iaon, Michael, Jessica, Steven, and Robert (Rose); his 6 grandkids Josephina, Stella, Matthew, Giuliana, Luca, and Anders and many nieces & nephews.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Bob on Friday, July 21st at Greer Family Mortuary and Cremation Services.  Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.  with a brief funeral service at 5:00 p.m. followed by a reception.

To watch the live stream, please click on the link below:

https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTY4OTc0NTc0MTI2MjQwNiZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==

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