Robert M. Foys

Robert M. Foys, age 86, a resident of Chicago, IL, passed away on Saturday, April 18, 2026.

Bob was born and raised in Pilsen. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Loyola University and received a doctorate in English Language & Literature from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He taught writing and literature at the University of Illinois and the University of Wisconsin for 10 years before managing a small security consulting and private investigation company for 3 years.

He then enjoyed a career that spanned more than 30 years at Aon Corporation in Chicago, traveling widely across the globe until his retirement in 2005 as Global Practice Leader for Aon’s affinity insurance business and Senior Executive Vice President of Aon’s U.S. commercial insurance brokerage segment.

Bob cherished family life, hosting memorable gatherings and enjoying serene afternoons in the garden at the family home in Inverness. A lifelong learner with an insatiable curiosity, he became a prolific writer of letters to the editor following his left ventricular assist device (LVAD) surgery in 2011, authoring hundreds that appeared in local, national, and international publications. He was invited to serve as a community member on the Chicago Tribune’s editorial board. A feature about his early letter-writing days appeared in the Tribune, and his final published letter ran in November 2025.

He dedicated himself to LVAD patient advocacy, serving as a representative for Northwestern Memorial Hospital and as an Abbott Ambassador. He volunteered for ten years as a peer mentor at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, where he helped inspire the development of the hospital’s post-surgical recovery program and provided guidance and encouragement to countless patients and families.

Bob was an avid sports enthusiast. He was a cherished companion via text during Chicago Bears games and a die hard Chicago Cubs fan. His father took him to his first game at Wrigley Field on May 18, 1947, to see Jackie Robinson play—an experience he loved recounting to the group during tours of Wrigley Field with his daughter. One of his happiest moments was the Cubs’ 2016 World Series victory. For his 85th birthday last year, he received a special Cameo greeting from legendary Cubs radio announcer Pat Hughes.

Survivors include Bob’s wife of 60 years, Melinda (Doman) Foys; his daughter, Susan Santoro (Anthony); his granddaughter, Sabrina; and his brother, Most Rev. Roger J. Foys, Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Covington. He was preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Theresa Foys.

Visitation will be held at 9:00 a.m., followed immediately by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m., at Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago.

Holy Name Cathedral is located at 735 N State Street on the northeast corner of State and Superior Streets. You may park in the parking garage at 14 W Superior Street, between Dearborn and State Street, located below the One Chicago high rise on Lower Level 1 and Lower Level 2. Validation is available in the Cathedral Vestibule. For more information: https://holynamecathedral.org/directions-parking/

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Bob Foys to the Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute Endowment at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, https://nmgive.donordrive.com/BCVI/donate or by calling 833.443.8663.

For further information please call Michalik Funeral Home at 312-421-0936.