Robert Paul Mario DeCeault

Robert Paul Mario DeCeault, 60, of Chicago, passed away unexpectedly on March 11, 2026. He leaves behind to cherish his memory his mother, Teresa Gazzolo DeCeault; brothers, Peter, Joe, Thomas, and Edward (Stephanie Piessens); beloved niece, Olive Douglass DeCeault; and a large extended family of aunts, uncles, and numerous cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Dudley and Teresa Gazzolo, father Robert Paul DeCeault, aunt Penelope Gazzolo Pito, aunt Sharon DeCeault, uncle Arthur DeCeault, friend Danny Padula, and his special friend and confidant, Linda Stewart.

His family were his friends, his friends were family, and he never met a stranger.

Bob was a graduate of the University of Illinois Chicago, earning a Bachelor of Science in Business. He owned and operated Just In Time Plumbing started with the help of friend Derek Cepolski for several years, and was a proud member of UA Local 130 Plumbers. When he wasn't working, Bob could be found in someone's driveway, basement, or backyard lending a hand– more often than not with a story going and a laugh not far behind.

He was a good-hearted man who knew right from wrong and lived accordingly, and who gave that same loyalty and humor to everyone lucky enough to be in his orbit. He held his opinions firmly and wasn't afraid to share them, but beneath it all was a man who would drop everything for the people he loved. He maintained lifelong friendships with the McGuire & Padula family, Bobby Alcock, and Paul Bakke – learning to hunt from the Bakke family and later taking Leonard Bakke, Jr. under his wing as an apprentice of the trade. As Paul put it: "Bob was the type of friend who would drive ten miles to help you out – or ten thousand. Friends like that, you can only count on one hand."

Bob was heavily involved in ice hockey in his younger years and went on to study karate, where he built some of his deepest friendships. He and that circle of friends – who called themselves the Kohibas – made an annual fishing trip a tradition, and by all accounts created some memories that are better left imprinted. His friend Scott Majesky recalls one of the ones that can be shared: many afternoons fishing together in Canada, putting up their poles as the sun went down over a lake still as glass. "We'd listen to the loons across the water, light a cigar, and solve the world's problems," Scott remembers. "We'd say – 'only if we were in charge.' He was a rock solid friend and a great Kohiba brother."

A Memorial Gathering will be held on Monday, April 20, 2026, beginning at 9:30am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30am at Ascension Church, 808 S. East Ave., Oak Park, IL 60304.

Friends and family are warmly welcome to continue the celebration of Bob's life at the home of his cousin Frank Gazzolo following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association or a charity of your choice in Bob's name.

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