Robert Kicielinski
Belleville | Save
There are people who pass through this world quietly, leaving behind something far greater than accomplishments. They leave kindness. They leave laughter. They leave friendships that last a lifetime.
Robert M. "Kitch" Kicielinski was one of those rare people.
Kitch, 80, of Belleville, Illinois, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, July 18, 2026, with his beloved wife, Julia, by his side.
Born on July 2, 1946, in East St. Louis, Illinois, to Victor and Veronica (Cygan) Kicielinski, Kitch was blessed with a childhood filled with love, laughter, adventure, and family. Alongside his beloved older sister, Joyce, those early years helped shape the gentle, humble man so many would come to love. He graduated from Holy Angels Grade School in 1960 before attending Assumption High School, graduating with the Class of 1964.
A gifted baseball player, Kitch's talent nearly led him to the St. Louis Cardinals. But, like many young men of his generation, he answered a different calling. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War—a decision he carried with quiet honor throughout his life.
Following his service in the Navy, Kitch built a distinguished career with the United States Postal Service, retiring as a Regional District Manager. Yet, if you asked those who loved him what they remembered most, very few would begin with his career.
They would tell you who he was.
Kitch had a remarkable gift for making people feel like they mattered. He never met a stranger, only friends he hadn't met yet. Whether you had known him for decades or had just met him, he made you feel welcome, valued, and at home.
To classmates, lifelong friends, and so many throughout the community, he became affectionately known as "The Music Man." Music brought him joy, but bringing joy to others through music brought him even more. Every five years, he eagerly returned to his Assumption High School reunions with his computer, speakers, and carefully chosen playlists, helping old friends laugh, dance, reminisce, and celebrate the memories they had made together. For their 50th reunion, he lovingly created a commemorative music CD, a gift that reflected the thoughtfulness he poured into everything he did.
For many years, he shared that same gift at celebrations and gatherings with his friends at the Shiloh Eagles Aerie 545, creating the soundtrack for countless memories that will live on in the hearts of those who were there.
Kitch loved life's simple pleasures. He enjoyed throwing washers with friends, shooting pool at the Eagles and at the Moose Lodge, and spending time on the golf course. Summer afternoons, backyard gatherings, music playing in the background, and conversations with people he loved were among his happiest moments. Wherever Kitch was, people naturally gathered around him because he made everyone feel welcome.
While Kitch treasured every friendship throughout his life, nothing brought him greater pride than being a father and grandfather. He cherished every moment spent with his children and grandchildren. Whether coaching his children's baseball teams—as his own father had once coached him—cheering from the stands at baseball, basketball, and soccer games, or proudly applauding at dance recitals, Kitch was always there. He celebrated every milestone, every accomplishment, and every opportunity simply to spend time with the people he loved most. Nothing delighted him more than watching those he loved grow, flourish, and create lives and memories of their own.
If you ever sat down with Kitch, chances were you were about to hear one of his stories.
His memory was remarkable. Whether recalling something that happened seventy-five years ago or something from just last week, every detail remained perfectly intact. Family and friends loved teasing him because every story came with plenty of details, a few side trips, and another story tucked somewhere in the middle.
Someone would eventually smile and say, "Grab a beer... it's going to be a long one." And somehow, no one ever wanted him to skip a single part. Because spending time with Kitch was never about getting to the ending. It was about enjoying the journey.
More than anything, Kitch will be remembered as one of the kindest, gentlest gentlemen anyone could ever hope to know.
He loved quietly.
He loved faithfully.
He loved without conditions.
He was loyal beyond measure, generous with his time, patient with others, and always willing to lend a helping hand. He found joy in seeing others happy and never sought recognition for the kindness he so freely gave. His friendships lasted decades because his loyalty never wavered, and those fortunate enough to know him understood the comfort of simply being in his presence.
Those who knew Kitch also knew that love came naturally to him. He loved deeply, his family, his lifelong friends, his classmates, his neighbors, and the many people who were fortunate enough to cross his path.
Later in life, Kitch found love again with Julia. Together they built a life filled with friendship, music, golf, road trips, swimming pool gatherings, laughter, and countless ordinary moments that became extraordinary simply because they were shared. Kitch didn't just become part of Julia's life, he became a treasured friend to the people she loved, just as they welcomed him into theirs. That was simply his gift. He had a remarkable way of making everyone feel like they belonged.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Victor and Veronica (Cygan) Kicielinski.
He is lovingly survived by his wife, Julia Kicielinski; his children, Kelly Hendrickson of Columbia, Illinois, and Mikey (Jennifer) Kicielinski of Troy, Illinois; his cherished grandchildren, Chase, Lilly, and Ben Hendrickson, and Cody Kicielinski; his beloved sister, Joyce (Carey) Carpenter of Maryville, Illinois; his nephew, Matthew Carpenter; his brother-in-law, Chris Kiersch of St. Louis, Missouri; his nephew, Tyler Kiersch; his many beloved cousins; and countless lifelong friends whose lives were richer for having known him.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Louis Children's Hospital or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, causes that reflected Kitch's generous heart.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 30, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at Kassly Mortuary, Ltd., Fairview Heights, Illinois, followed by funeral services at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel.
Interment with full military honors will take place on Friday, July 31, 2026, at 12:30 p.m. at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. Family and friends wishing to join the procession are invited to gather at Kassly Mortuary, with the procession departing promptly at 11:45 a.m. to Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.
For eighty years, Kitch quietly made the world a better place.
He left behind songs that will always remind us of him, stories that will be retold for generations, friendships that stood the test of time, and a family forever grateful to have shared life's journey with him.
His kindness lives on in every life he touched.
His laughter echoes in every story still told.
His music will forever be the soundtrack of countless cherished memories.
Thank you, Kitch... for the music, the stories, the laughter, and, most of all, for the love.
Kassly Mortuary, Ltd.
