Robert Alan Wesolowski

Captain Robert A. Wesolowski, USN Retired
Kalamazoo Michigan

Robert Wesolowski passed away peacefully on March 1, 2020 in Kalamazoo, Michigan surrounded by his wife Gemma and family members. Rob was born October 6, 1950 in West Allis, WI to Robert and Phyllis Wesolowski who preceded him in death.

Rob is survived by Gemma his wife, sons David and Gabriel Ybarra. His brother William (Sandy) Wesolowski, sister Mary Beth (Hank) Hart, brothers in law Jep (June) and Mot (Jo) Manuel, nieces and nephews Deanna (Kelly), Matt, Andy (Rachel), Janina (Ben), Dan and Allison (Everett). Grand Nieces and Nephews Ivan, Murray, Addie, Jaedyn and Nicco.

Rob graduated from Don Bosco High School (Class of 1968), Marquette University (Class of 1972) and Keller Graduate School (Class of 1985).

Robert worked for a number of enterprises, including Honeywell, First Wisconsin/ US Bank and his own business consulting firm, R.A. Wesolowski, Inc. He also served in the U.S. Navy (1972-1979) serving in Vietnam and Europe and the U.S. Navy Reserve (1979-1999) including service in Milwaukee, Grand Rapids, The Pentagon and NATO (Office of the Chief of Naval Operations Strategic Concepts Branch). The last position he held was Captain (0-6). Robert retired from all work eight years ago. He recently stated his current occupation as “husband, father, dog walker, gardener, aquarium keeper, and curmudgeon.” He was very active in the Southwestern Michigan Aquarium Society to feed his passion for fish.

Of all the accomplishments he was proud of, the first goes a long way back—and that is being selected for the 1968 Wisconsin Junior Soccer All-Star team. Other accomplishments include being promoted to Captain in the Navy, earning the trust of his consulting clients, surviving his first heart attack in 1993, which occurred while he was playing soccer, and surviving the subsequent open-heart surgery in 2011. Last but not least, of course, he pointed to the accomplishment of “marrying my bride.”

Robert has enjoyed many memorable trips with destinations including Florida, Washington, DC, Hawaii, New England, Colorado and South Carolina. "The key criteria for a good trip," he said, “are good weather, good food, and historical sites.

In the last 10 years Rob became known as “CAP” being the Captain of his extended family. He connected with people from all walks of life serving as a financial counselor, friend, life coach and mentor to so many!

A celebration of Rob’s life will include a Memorial Gathering from 1-2 p.m. on Saturday, September 4, followed by a Memorial Service at 2:00 p.m. at Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services, 3926 S 9th Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49009.

Please visit Rob’s Tribute wall to leave a personal message, condolence or memory of him.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in honor of Robert, to benefit the following groups: Southwestern Michigan Aquarium Society, the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society or to support a local veteran’s organization of your choice