Robert “Bob” Hellwig passed away peacefully on July 7, 2026. Bob lived a life guided by family, friendship, and humor. He believed that life was shaped by a series of events, each impacting us in profound ways.

Bob began his life’s journey in Oak Park, Illinois, on June 1, 1943, but spent most of his formative years in Indianapolis, Indiana. There he attended Christ the King Grade School and graduated from Cathedral High School in 1961. It was in Indianapolis that he met the love of his life, Luann, whom he married in 1966. Bob often reflected on the serendipitous events that brought them together - a reminder to us all that the most important moments in our lives often happen when we least expect them.

Bob was the first in his family to attend college, a milestone he often believed was shaped by the friendships he made during his high school years. He proudly graduated from Xavier University and later earned a master’s degree from Butler University.  He was a devout catholic who valued his opportunities to receive a catholic education and later provided the same to his children.

Soon after graduating, Bob began his telecommunications career at Western Electric. Another important turning point came in 1978 when his career brought him to New Jersey on a “two year” assignment with AT&T that continued until his retirement many years later with Lucent Technologies. During those years, he enjoyed his work and the opportunity to travel the world. In his downtime, he especially enjoyed the close-knit relationships he formed with his Branchburg, New Jersey friends, creating memories that would last a lifetime.

While Bob enjoyed a rewarding career, the most significant moments in his life began with the arrival of his three children - a joy that would only be surpassed later in life by the arrival of his six grandchildren. As a father and grandfather, he encouraged them to value education while also finding their passion, believing the combination of the two was a winning formula. He was immensely proud of his family and all they accomplished, and they remained the center of his universe.

After retiring, Bob had more time to enjoy the things he loved. He remained active with the Somerville Elks, where he valued the friendships and good times he shared over the years. An avid reader, he was rarely without a mystery or suspense novel on his Kindle. He also enjoyed watching NASCAR, Notre Dame football, college basketball, Immaculata High School sports, professional golf, Fox News, and anything Caitlin Clark.

Bob loved to joke and find fun in life’s moments. Whether happy or faced with the unexpected, he could always find a reason to laugh. He constantly reminded those around him never to “sweat the small stuff” because he viewed life from a broader perspective and understood what truly mattered.

Bob often said, “I did it my way,” and he took great pride in the life he had built. He would encourage each of us to do the same—to live life on our own terms, take it easy, save for a rainy day, and have some fun along the way.

Bob is survived by his wife of 59 years, Luann; his daughters, Angela and Suzanne; his son, Rob, and daughter-in-law, Janet; and his grandchildren, Emily, Evan, Marcus, Maximo, Reagan, and Bobby.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Marie Hellwig; his brother, Thomas; and his sister, Marijane.

Please consider a donation in memory of Bob to:

Brothers of Holy Cross, Attn: Brother Roy Smith, Columba Hall, Notre Dame, IN 46556 or online by clicking here

Immaculata High School Guardian Angel Scholarship Fund, 240 Mountain Avenue, Somerville, NJ 08876 or online by clicking here 

Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 8:00PM on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at Cusick Funeral Home, 80 Mountain Avenue, Somerville.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00AM on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at The Church of The Immaculate Conception, 35 Mountain Avenue, Somerville.

Interment will follow at St. Bernard Cemetery, Bridgewater