Robert Michael Phoenik

Robert M. Phoenik Oct. 23, 1946 – May 5, 2026

Our beloved brother Bobby passed away on May 5^th following several months of declining health. He is now reunited in Heaven with his father Robert Thomas Phoenik, mother Mary (Kislak) Phoenik and siblings Stanley and Sally.

Bobby was the eldest of seven siblings, including Sharyn Rose (Lennon) Phoenik, Claude Stanley Phoenix, Cynthia Ann (Phoenik) Graban, the late Stanley Robert Phoenik, the late Sally Marie (Phoenik) Greb, and Amy Robin (Phoenik) Crann. Bobby is also survived by many nieces and nephews, several great nieces and nephews, and cousins.

He was born at Allegheny General Hospital on the North Side, and spent his early childhood growing up on Vinial Street. Bobby attended grade school at St. Ursula in Allison Park after the family moved to the suburbs in the 1960’s. Bobby went on to North Catholic High School and studied Marketing at Gannon College.

He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was stationed at Norfolk Naval Base, serving 2+ years on active duty and six years reserve duty in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s. He proudly served his country and was a Vietnam-era Veteran.

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Bobby had a dry sense of humor and when he smiled, there was a twinkle in his eye. Our family will deeply miss him and the special magic that he brought to our lives.

He was a voracious reader and movie lover, and could recount history, trivia and facts like no other. He very much enjoyed sharing his knowledge with others. The amount of information and detail that he retained was astounding. Pittsburgh history was always top of mind, but his knowledge of famous people, historical events, movies, news, and general information seemed never-ending.

Our family gatherings will just not be the same without him. His stories could fill a morning over coffee and a lingering breakfast. An evening could pass in the same way after dinner with a glass of red wine and dessert. Bobby’s life could be described as a mix of sharing interesting stories complemented by the enjoyment of sharing a good meal.

Bobby always arrived with thoughtful treats – and lots of them – such as a dozen loaves of bread or several pies from some of his favorites (La Gourmandine Bakery in Lawrenceville or the former Jean-Marc Chatellier French bakery in Millvale.)

You could count on him to bring fun, unexpected gifts and unique memorabilia – such as a collection of Elvis books and music, glassware, Pittsburgh Pirate hats or Steelers T-shirts for all, copies of family photos, even red lipstick for the ladies.

In his later years, a new generation of nieces and nephews grew to know Bobby. They would smile (or giggle) and listen to his stories, his trivia, his tidbits about, well, anything!  And he always had something for the kids – books or toys or teddy bears.

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Bobby liked fast cars. He had a 1966 Ford Mustang Fastback and later drove a Porsche, a red Cadillac, a Lincoln, among others. He was a weight lifter in his day and enjoyed watching studio wrestling. He admired and enjoyed telling stories about his cousin –professional and renowned wrestler ‘Jumping Johnny’ DeFazio.

Bobby loved Get-Go coffee, Turners iced tea, hot sausage from Frankie’s in Lawrenceville, breakfast at Eat’n Park, clementines and mineral water. He could be spotted driving up or down McKnight Road, always in the slow lane. He enjoyed spending warm summer days in the sunshine in North Park. He did not like the cold and did not drive in the snow.

We are thankful that the doctors and nurses at the VA Hospital took good care of Bobby near the end of his life. Bobby felt safe and happy there in his time of need.

Bobby was a very private person who lived life his way, all the way, without apology. He was also a man of mystery. Nobody knows the whole story! He was unique and uniquely loved.

Rest in peace brother Bobby and Uncle Bobby. We all love you endlessly with many hearts – forever.