Whether it was in Social Work or Real Estate, Bob Bykowski Held a Profound Commitment to Helping Others

Robert "Bob" John Bykowski

December 22, 1941 - August 21, 2026

Bob’s life was a testament to resilience, compassion, and unwavering dedication to his family, church, and community. Growing up in the vibrant city of Chicago, Bob developed a love for golf, baseball, community service, and the Boy Scouts. He attended Quigley Preparatory Seminary and later pursued higher education at the University of St. Mary of the Lake seminary in Mundelein, Illinois, where he earned a degree in philosophy and theology. He later attended the Loyola University Chicago School of Social Work, earning a Master of Social Work (MSW). His passion for learning and curiosity about the world never waned. After moving to Ann Arbor, Michigan, he attended the University of Michigan School of Public Health, earning a Master of Public Health (MPH).

Bob’s professional journey was defined by a profound commitment to serving others. For decades, he worked across various psychiatric social work settings and hospital programs, earning a reputation for his integrity, skill, and deep compassion for those navigating mental or physical challenges. Later in life, Bob channeled that same community-minded dedication into a second career in real estate sales and appraisals, helping families navigate important life transitions.

Beyond his career, Bob was a dedicated family man. He married Justine Lamendella on June 28, 1969, in Chicago, Illinois, and together they shared 57 years of love and partnership. Bob was the proud father of Dana and John. As a grandfather to Ryland and Mason, his heart was filled with joy. His family remembers him as determined, always wanting to problem-solve and offer a helping hand. In his free time, Bob enjoyed many different types of social group gatherings, travel, and participating in Rotary activities. Bob's appeal lay in his warmth, quiet demeanor, and strong belief in the dignity of every person.

Bob is survived by his wife, Justine; his daughter Dana and son-in-law Dominic Ju; his grandsons, Ryland and Mason Ju of Washington, DC; his son John of Watsonville, CA; his brother Ken and sister-in-law Diane (Juris) of Scottsdale, AZ; and his nieces, Julie Lamendella of Chicago, Amy Lamendella of Santa Cruz, CA and Jessica Harding of Sante Fe, NM.

Friends may join the family for a time of visitation on Wednesday, September 9th from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. at the St. Andrew Catholic Church in Saline. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 A.M. with Fr. Josh Luttig as Celebrant. Following the Mass, inurnment will take place in the St. Andrew Church Columbarium. There will also be a luncheon to follow and will be held at the Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Bob’s name may be made to The International Waldenstrom’s Macroglobulinemia Foundation. Donations may be made online by visiting https://iwmf.com/ways-to-give/ or by mailing a check to 1449 South Michigan Ave. STE 13329 Chicago, IL, 60605. Donations may also be made to Trinity Health. Donations may be made online by visiting https://giving.trinityhealthmichigan.org or by mailing a check to the Office of Philanthropy, 5305 East Huron River Drive PO Box 995 Ann Arbor, MI 48106. To leave a memory you have of Bob, to sign his online guestbook or for directions please visit www.rbfhsaline.com

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