Robert Lepri

Robert Joseph Lepri, affectionately known as Bob to his Chicago friends and Papa Bob to his grandchildren, passed away on August 28, 2025. Bob was born on August 30, 1946, in Scranton, PA to Joseph and Rose (Tedesco) Lepri.

Bob is survived by his loving wife, Julie, his children, James (Katie), Christina (Jake), and Michael (Charlotte), and his five beloved grandchildren, Olivia, Ella, Chloe, Josephine and Luke. He was also the loving cousin of Marie Baltz, Phyllis Meyer, Lanette Hosie, Genie Ruane, Dan Lepri, Joanne Getz and Henry Nardi; brother-in-law of Marti Lepri, Sue (Jay) Zauner, Beth (Paul) Ladis, Meg (Paul) Salzetta, Michael Milam and Krista Milam; uncle of many nieces and nephews; and, as he liked to say, the “favorite son-in-law of his favorite mother-in-law”, Margaret Milam. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Larry. He also is missed by his grey cat, Jonesy.

Bob attended Scranton Preparatory High School, the University of Scranton, and earned a law degree from Boston College before moving to Chicago in 1972 to begin his career at McDermott, Will & Emery. Bob’s practice at McDermott, at small partnerships established with friends, and at Chapman & Cutler focused on civil litigation. Bob was admitted to practice by the State of Illinois Supreme Court, the U.S. Court for the Northern District of Illinois, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th and the Federal Circuits, and the Supreme Court of the United States of America. He closed his professional career by working pro bono full-time for the Legal Assistance Foundation (now Legal Aid Chicago) representing elderly clients who could not afford legal representation. Throughout his career, family came first, and Bob never missed a game, a concert, or a performance and was a happy chauffeur for after school activities.

Beyond his career and family, Bob was passionate about history, baseball, theater (especially Shakespeare), reading, dining, and travel, with a special fondness for Italy. Bob was a lifelong member of the Union League Club of Chicago, supporting several of its philanthropic efforts.

Visitation will be held on Friday, September 19, beginning at 10 AM followed by a funeral mass at 11 AM at St. Clement Church, 642 W Deming Place, Chicago, IL 60614. The family invites friends and loved ones to join them in celebrating Bob’s life.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Bob can be made to Legal Aid Chicago, at https://www.legalaidchicago.org, to continue his legacy of generosity by providing high quality legal support to people living in poverty and other vulnerable groups.