Submitted by: Dan Rich

Robert J. Firth

April 30, 1921 - Jan. 22, 2003

South Bend Tribune 1/24/2003

Robert J. Firth, 81, of South Bend, Ind., died at 11:10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22, after a brief illness.

On April 30, 1921, he was born to the late John A. and Catherine (White) Firth.

On Sept. 17, 1945, in Sacred Heart Church on the campus of the University of Notre Dame, he married Evelyn Marie Cressy, who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his brother, John R. Firth. Bob is survived by four children, Patricia Ann (Robert) Currey of Boston, Mass., Robert John Firth Jr. of Granger, Ind., Elizabeth Ann (Joseph) Devins of Beecher, Ill., and John Clifford (Ann) Firth of Mishawaka, Ind.; nine grandchildren, Lisa Firth, JoAnne Firth, David Currey, John Devins, and John, Margaret, Catherine, James and Clare Firth; and by one great-grandchild, Kaelan Firth. He is also survived by Mary Miller, whom he and Evelyn loved as their daughter.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, N.Y., he graduated from Brooklyn Preparatory High School in 1939 where he was schooled by the Jesuits. He attended the University of Notre Dame where he met his wife of 52 years, earning his B.A. in philosophy in 1945. Answering the call of his country, Bob enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1942 and fought in Italy with the 361st Infantry. He earned numerous medals and commendations, including three bronze service stars, but he was most proud of his Combat Infantry Badge. He was honorably discharged in 1945. Together with his wife Evelyn, Bob raised his family in Westbury, N.Y., and worked in Manhattan for Hearst Newspapers. He and Evelyn retired to South Bend, Ind., in 1974. Bob cared lovingly for Evelyn during her 15-year struggle with Alzheimer's, until her death in 1997.

He served for many years on the board of directors of the Alzheimer's Association and the St. Joseph County Counsel on Alcoholism, including a term as its president from 1986 to 1990. Bob was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was also a loyal friend who worked tirelessly to help others discover a Higher Power.