Robert (Bob) S. Gaza

Robert (Bob) S. Gaza, 85, of Sandwich, IL passed away on September 26, 2023. Bob was born on November 19, 1937 in Chicago, IL to Stephen and Adela (Lamos) Gaza. Bob was a school teacher and taught 5th grade at the Minooka Elementary School. He also taught in Alaska with his first wife, Joan. In his 30 plus years as an educator he was dedicated to guiding his students with his knowledge and in retirement never lost his love of learning and teaching. He enjoyed telling stories about family, friends and history. One of his favorite things was to tell stories about history to family and anyone else he would meet that would take the time to listen.

He was an avid numismatist and took great pride in sharing his knowledge. He loved antique cars, especially a Cord. He would proudly show his own Buick Riviera in car shows. He was a collector of toys and enjoyed everything about trains. He loved taking his classes and family to the train museum. He was also a Civil War buff and liked visiting battlefields. He loved to travel with family and chronicled all of his adventures through writing, pictures and slides. He was proud of his daughters’ and grandchildren’s accomplishments and would share this at any opportunity he had. Bob was a loving brother, husband, father and grandfather and his legacy will live on in the hearts of family and friends.

He was lucky enough to have two amazing women who married him and loved him for who he was. Bob married his first wife Joan on December 17, 1960 until she passed in 2009. He then went on to meet his second wife Joan Wagner, who he married on February 1, 2013.

Bob is survived by his wife, Joan Wagner; 2 children, Joan (Edward) Smith of Naperville, IL and Diana (John) DeVaul of Fernandina Beach, FL; Step-daughter, Michele Kost of Matteson, IL; 1 brother, John (Roxie) Gaza of Decatur, IL; 2 sisters, Adele Milano of Rockford, IL and Marilyn Quade of Chicago, IL; 7 grandchildren, Austin, Alina, Savannah, Siarrah, John Robert, Keaton and Dalton; As well as 1 great granddaughter, Naomi.

He is preceded in death by his parents; As well as his first wife, Joan.

Visitation will be held on Friday, October 6, 2023 from 10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. at Beverage Family Funeral Home, 104 Terry Street, Sandwich, IL 60548. A funeral service will take place same day, October 6, 2023 at 12:00 P.M. at the funeral home. A private graveside service will take place at a later time at Saint Mary’s Cemetery in Minooka, IL. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Beverage Family Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.beveragefamilyfh.com