Robert Persa

Robert Persa a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who dedicated decades of service to the Croatian Cultural institutions in Chicago, died at the age of 94 on October 26, 2025, after a long illness. Born in Veliki Skocaj in 1930, he was one of eleven children. Robert immigrated through Ellis Island in 1955 and shortly after relocated to Chicago in 1956 where he built a dynamic and varied life rooted in music, service, and community engagement.

Robert met the love of his life, Nada, at a Croatian picnic on the southside of Chicago in 1960. Shortly after, they married in January of 1961. They purchased their first (and forever) home and settled down in Palos Hills, IL. Over the next 9 years they welcomed their three children: Ann, Bob, and Paul.

As an avid musician during the 1960s through 1980s, Robert played with Velebit all throughout the Midwest. He was a founding member of K.U.D. Hrvatska Bastina Chicago. Robert’s incredible vocal ability and talent resonated through every note he played and sang, reflecting a lifetime of passion, mastery, and heartfelt expression that inspired all who listened.

Robert worked at the General Motors plant for over 23 years and took an early retirement package in 1986 to stay home and officially start his most important role of “Dida” (Grandfather). He cherished this role and embraced it with so much pride and joy. Over the next 2.5 decades he helped raise, nurture, and guide 6 granddaughters and 2 grandsons. In 2021 he became a first-time great-grandfather to Gabriella, with Lorenzo and Diego shortly to follow.

Robert loved his family and friends dearly. The lessons he imparted, the memories he shared, and the values he lived by will continue to guide and inspire us all. His legacy will continue through the institutions he supported and the many lives he influenced and loved.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 2nd, from 3 P.M. to 9 P.M. (Molitva/Prayer at 6:30 P.M.) at Lack and Sons Funeral Home, 9236 South Roberts Road, Hickory Hills. Visitation and service of remembrance will be held Monday, November 3rd, 2025, 9:00 A.M. to time of Mass 10:30 A.M. at St. Jerome Croatian Catholic Church, 2823 South Princeton, Chicago, IL.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Robert to Sloboda Jr. Tamburitzans or K.U.D. Hrvatska Bastina Chicago.

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