Robert John Firth, Jr.

Robert John Firth, Jr., 73, of Mishawaka, Indiana, died at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 11, 2022 after an illness.

On October 22, 1948, he was born to the late Robert J. and Evelyn M. (Cressy) Firth. On January 7, 1978, Bob was married to the late Maryalice Riedle. Though their marriage ended in divorce, they remained friends for life.

Bob was born in Brooklyn, NY, and raised in Carle Place, NY, where he attended kindergarten through 12th grade in the Carle Place Schools. He also attended Mount St. Mary’s College in Emmitsburg, MD, and C.W. Post College in Brookville, NY.   

Bob was a serial entrepreneur who loved to compete.  He knew both the “thrill of victory and the agony of defeat” and never shied away from a challenge. He was always ready for the next adventure and had a wonderful sense of humor. A devoted father and grandfather, he loved his family beyond all measure and was blessed throughout his life with a deep and abiding faith in God.  He was humble, kind, and a loyal friend to many, quietly lending a hand to those in need, never expecting anything in return.

Bob is survived by his daughters, River Firth and JoAnne Evelyn Firth (Suresh); grandsons, Kaelan W. Firth and Aedan Firth Uttamchandani; sisters, Patricia Ann (Robert) Currey and Elizabeth Ann (Joseph) Devins; brother, John Clifford (Ann) Firth; and the following nieces and nephews, who all thought “Go-Go Bobby” was a lot more fun than any of their parents:  David (Amanda) Currey, John (Elizabeth) Devins, John (Anushka) Firth, Margaret Firth, Catherine Firth, James Firth and Clare Firth. About their Uncle Bobby, one of them once observed, “I really like Uncle Bobby because he hasn’t lost his ‘kid brain.’” Bob is also survived by many cousins, both on the Cressy and Firth sides, who were among his closest friends in life.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, January 17, 2022, in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart on the campus of the University of Notre Dame, with Rev. Paul Doyle, C.S.C., presiding. Graveside services and burial will follow at Cedar Grove Cemetery, Notre Dame.

Friends may visit with the family from 2 :00-4:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 16, 2022 at Palmer Funeral Home—Hickey Chapel, 17131 Cleveland Road, South Bend, IN, where a rosary will be recited at 4:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Bob may be donated to the Women’s Care Center, 360 N. Notre Dame Avenue, South Bend, IN 46617; or South Bend Center for the Homeless, 813 S. Michigan Street, South Bend, IN 46601.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.