Bob Molaro was well known for his jovial spirit, positive attitude and innate ability to bring people together and build consensus. He had a way of making everyone comfortable, even in challenging times and debates. Bob will be greatly missed by all who knew him. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones.
Bob served in both the Senate and then the House before he became a lobbyist. He was diagnosed late last year with pancreatic cancer and passed away Monday evening surrounded by family. Bobby had a lot of friends in this business and they are heartbroken right now.
RIP Bobby - How do you create on homage to a guy like Bob Molaro? Coffee. I hope it doesn’t come off trite, because coffee was everything good about Bobby. He used it for kinship, advice, bonding, listening, laughter and mentorship. No matter his mood, you always got the best of him. When I got the job in 2009, he insisted I understand that it was a blessing, a thing to be cherished and used to advance good things. He gently reminded me that when you get elected, you’re on 3rd base, and don’t forget everyone else who hit the triple to get you there. I’ll miss him beyond words, and am thinking of Barbara, Robyn, Sam, Mike, Miranda, and Alex. Cancer is a thief, and Monday it stole too much.
It is with a heavy heart that we mourn the death of Bob Molaro. He was a true steward of the horseracing industry, which frankly would no longer exist in Illinois were it not for the impassioned, persistent and selfless leadership of Bob. As a legislator, he wrote laws so that Illinois horseracing would have an honest chance to survive and thrive. Though he was personally a fan of racing, he lobbied tirelessly on behalf of the industry because he cared so deeply about people, from the backstretch to the teller line, from the grandstand to the farm. He had genuine empathy for everyone. Especially in the most difficult times, Bob sought to build consensus, to lead with the best possible ideas and to provide relief with humor and humility. Always the optimist and always the storyteller, Bob shared a clear and exciting vision for the future of Illinois horseracing with anyone who would listen. In tribute to his undying spirit, we look forward hopefully to that future, and we pledge to “do all the good we can do” in loving memory of our dear friend.
When I first arrived in Springfield I quickly learned there were few people you could count on to tell you truths. Bob Molaro was one of those people for me. He was my political father figure. In 2007 he asked me to work on this little project with him, which turned out to be the first draft of the Chicago casino and statewide gaming bill. He made me attend countless negotiation sessions and take copious notes and later told me it was all because he wanted me to listen and learn. He saw something in me I hadn’t yet realized. Or he was just messing with me. Either way, it worked. In one of those meetings a legislator asked me to get him a cup of coffee and Bob said, “She’s not your maid. She’s a lawyer. Get your own damn coffee.” Through the years whenever I felt less than or unsure, Bob was there to push me along and be a cheerleader. No one told stories like Bob. I remember sitting listening to him for hours, usually wondering when there would be a punchline or a point. I swear he talked about pensions for 3 hours straight. We frequented the same coffee shop back home and I’d sometimes run in to him accidentally on purpose to hear his stories and get his advice. Bob cared about people. The harsh reality is many never have or will care the way Bob did. When you had has attention, he gave it to you fully. He actually cared about making people’s lives better. And now he’s gone.
I will miss his advice, his stories, and the way he made me laugh. I will miss his love of the horse tracks and perpetually saying “one more thing” before he proceeded to tell me 5 more things. He was an original. And I will miss him so much.
He was indeed an original. And, boy, was it ever hard to shut him up. But just about everyone loved him. He co-announced the House vs. Senate softball games with me the past few years and he was a natural. I mean, the man could’ve been a play-by-play announcer. Who knew? I was always in awe of his gift of gab. And he was so funny and learned things so quickly.
I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for Bob Molaro. He was my friend, my mentor in the legislature and one of the smartest people I have ever known. Bob was the “go-to” guy. Someone you could always depend on to look out for your best interests. More than anyone, I trusted him because I knew he would steer me in the right direction. Like a lot of my colleagues through the years, I looked to Bob as a navigator and he never let me down. To this day, in gaming and other areas, we are still building off the work he started as a lawmaker. I’ll miss him more than I can say. I’ll miss our dinners together, I’ll miss his support, his wisdom and his guidance. My heart goes out to his family, we have all lost one of the greats.
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Jun 17, 20 @ 3:03 pm
Comments
like so many, i am heartbroken at the passing of bobby molaro. though a senate GOP staffer when we met, he treated me no different than one of his own. i’ll never forget a luncheon at the greek isles after a house jud committee in chicago, no idea why I was invited, but he wouldn’t take no for an answer. in so many ways, he is what a legislator ought to be, important but not self-important. next time I hear a legislator puff up with outrage and self-importance over nothing, i’ll think of him and wish he were still a voice within the body.
Comment by Jones Matt Wednesday, Jun 17, 20 @ 3:22 pm
If Im not mistaken, he was also a graduate of St Ignatius College Prep on Chicago’s near west side. The same school Madigan and Harmon went to.
That partially explains his outspokenness. If there’s anything that SICP teaches you, its to question authority and question accepted norms.
He was my aunt’s state sen/ state rep for many years. Condolences to the family.
Comment by low level Wednesday, Jun 17, 20 @ 3:30 pm
Bobby was extremely gifted at playing the game, and at mentoring others on how to play the game (while still playing the game himself). If he was your ally on an issue he was fiercely loyal to completing the task. If you were on the opposite side of an issue, he was always ready to meet and discuss if there was a way to find agreement. His ability to extend a committee hearing through testimony is second to none. I’ll miss him dearly.
Comment by unclesam Wednesday, Jun 17, 20 @ 3:32 pm
Wow. Very sad. Bobby was good people. Really enjoyed working with him. Many condolences to his family.
Comment by Shytown Wednesday, Jun 17, 20 @ 3:35 pm
Molaro was one of the good ones, willing to pull you aside and provide a little help in navigating the basics of the capitol and its processes. A little kindness goes a long way, and he proved it many times. I’ll miss him.
What a great guy! Bobby didn’t care which side of the isle I sat on. Always willing to help and give advice. They don’t make ‘em like Bobby Molaro anymore. I know he’s talking up a storm right now with some of our other friends who have passed. He will be missed. My prayers for him and his family.
Comment by Tim Schmitz Wednesday, Jun 17, 20 @ 3:40 pm
IIRC, he succeeded Bernie Sadowski as 12th Ward Democratic Committeeman.
I was at a meeting once where one of the people at the table had enough ambition to mention that he might run for Mayor if Daley stepped down. Molaro didn’t even look up, he just said, “there’s like a dozen people in Chicago who decide who the next mayor is gonna be, and you don’t even know their names.” Hilarious.
RIP. Condolences to his family and many friends.
Comment by 47th Ward Wednesday, Jun 17, 20 @ 3:41 pm
47th ward - “ IIRC, he succeeded Bernie Sadowski as 12th Ward Democratic Committeeman.”
Man you just took me back. That was when the 12th ward of Chicago was the Polish / Back of the Yards ward. Yes. When there were Reagan Democrats and ethnics. Liberal on economic issues but conservative on social issues.
That seems so long ago now…
Comment by low level Wednesday, Jun 17, 20 @ 3:48 pm
We need more Bob Molaros and Larry Walsh’s in Springfield
Bob was the BEST
Comment by Just saying Wednesday, Jun 17, 20 @ 3:52 pm
I did a “Chicago Tonight” with Mike Flannery years ago and afterward we met up with Mike’s wife at a restaurant for dinner. Bob and his wife were there. He eventually came over to the table and started telling some story (he had lots of entertaining, but long stories). Like many Americans of Italian descent, Bobby talked with his hands and the more excited he got the more his hands moved. It must’ve been an intense story because he made a point and in doing so knocked over Mrs. Flannery’s wine glass. Dumped a full glass of red wine all over her dress.
Oops.
He looked absolutely stricken and apologized profusely and told the Flannerys to send him the dry cleaning bill and slumped back to his table.
I recall him pushing a bill one time to outlaw aluminum bats in little league games on a hot spring day in the Stratton building. The amount of ribbing he got for that bill and how hot and miserable that room was and yet he kept dragging on the testimony are two things I will always remember.
He was good people and i was able to spend some time with him recently and instead of talking about his health (which was why we met) he insisted on talking about politics. He lived it and lived for it. I will miss him dearly.
Comment by frisbee Wednesday, Jun 17, 20 @ 4:05 pm
Too many Bobby stories to pick just one, so I’ll just echo HWV’s comments about him being an outstanding mentor and adviser - he helped me more than he ever could’ve realized. Or maybe he did and that was the point. I was a House guy and didn’t know him until he came over after remap, and he took a shine to me, simple as that. He also never minced words about the “upper” chamber he had left. He found his home in the blue zoo.
His stories *were* long and winding, often with many detours and side trips, but really, all you had to do was listen. Then you’d learn.
Comment by Joe Bidenopolous Wednesday, Jun 17, 20 @ 4:17 pm
Bob was the best. A great mentor to me and many many others. While dealing and working with him I noticed he would always be the one to start off a negotiating meeting. And maybe 10-15-20 minutes later someone else would try and get a word in. I think he was trying to settle the issues by wearing us all out.
And Rich to your point about how he would be a natural as a sports announcer. We had him announce a horse race at Maywood Park one night. He did such a good job I think our regular guy thought he might lose his gig. I also don’t think I ever saw him so excited as right before the race started. I am sure there is a copy of that somewhere.
Comment by Jack Kelly Wednesday, Jun 17, 20 @ 4:27 pm
I rarely comment but when I read “Wish I had a pension”
post — I knew Bob, worked for him and with him. Pocks on you and your house.
Another amazing quality about Bobby was that he was all about social justice and equity long before it was politically popular.
As chairman of the House Criminal Law Committee in the mid-2000s, I saw him push back against penalty enhancements to the dismay of his colleagues on BOTH sides of the aisle.
In those days, almost everybody ran on a “tough on crime” platform and filed dozens of bills to show folks back home how tough they were.
Bobby’s committee was the busiest with 100s of bills each week seeking to increase criminal penalties or criminalize new behavior.
He always thought of the little guy and the unfairness that exists in the legal system.
Bobby wasn’t afraid to bury those bills in subcommittee.
He often joked that the way things were going, everything was going to be a Class X felony.
Comment by Super Mario Wednesday, Jun 17, 20 @ 4:57 pm
@Wish I Had a Pension - wish you had a conscience. But nah, it’s always about being aggrieved for some.
So very sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. Whether it was interviewing him on the rail about the news of the day or talking over coffee in the Mansionview lobby before session over the years, he was one of my favorite people in Springfield, he was always “in the know”, authentic,and kind. RIP, Bob. Sending prayers of comfort for your family and many friends.
Comment by Jak Tichenor Wednesday, Jun 17, 20 @ 9:59 pm
@Collinsville Kevin {sigh} I guess you never never understood the saying: if you don’t have anything nice to say, then don’t say it.
I was fortunate to work with Bob Molaro and he had more character and compassion than you will ever exhibit. His institutional knowledge under the dome will be truly missed.
A true friend and colleague who will be sorely missed in the Capital and political world in Illinois. Devoted fan and champion of horse racing who continuously fought for the industry’s survival. Devoted husband and father and friend to so many. The “Clubhouse” won’t be the same without you Bob. Bo also sends her regards and condolences to the family. We will all keep Molaro stories in our memories. Bless you Bob.
Comment by Jim Stumpf Thursday, Jun 18, 20 @ 3:50 am
When I became an LA in the Senate Bob was a constant in the office. I used to do a pretty good impression of him and his great ability to have a whole conversation with himself. He would walk up and say “Hey kid, is he here?” And before I could answer, he would say “oh he’s on the floor isn’t he?, that’s ok, is he gonna do this later? Of course he is, I was gonna see him in committee, but I’ll just find him tonight, I gotta talk to him about, oh you don’t care about that, I’ll just find him sometime, is he going to dinner? Oh never mind I got something else, but is he going to do this? I’ll find him sometime kid, ok see ya” I mean he would ask 10 questions, answer them himself before I could say a word. And then finish his thought and walk away. I remember once just sitting there wondering what had just happened because he had a full conversation and got all the answers he was looking for and I never opened my mouth. Bobby was one if the good ones. He always was so great to me. There were A LOT of days he was furious with my Senator but he never took it out on me. He will be terribly missed.
Comment by SENATELA Thursday, Jun 18, 20 @ 4:51 am
I remember him chairing a hearing at JRTC several years ago during the Blagojevich years at a time when Rod was under fire for the amount of state business he was conducting in Chicago versus Springfield.
Bob opens the hearing with the words, “Good morning everyone, welcome to the Illinois State Capitol…”
Comment by Father Ted Thursday, Jun 18, 20 @ 9:09 am
I wasn’t friends with Mr. Molaro, and he probably would only vaguely remember me, if at all. But in my line of work, you come in contact with lots of lobbyists, legislators and others who come to Springfield on business. Some of them are awful, some of them stand out for their decency, I remember the person I used to call Senator Molaro as one of the really nice, decent legislators I encountered. Just an easygoing, nice guy. I was shocked to see the news of his passing. Well wishes to his family and friends.
Comment by TheUpperRoom Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 2:42 pm
like so many, i am heartbroken at the passing of bobby molaro. though a senate GOP staffer when we met, he treated me no different than one of his own. i’ll never forget a luncheon at the greek isles after a house jud committee in chicago, no idea why I was invited, but he wouldn’t take no for an answer. in so many ways, he is what a legislator ought to be, important but not self-important. next time I hear a legislator puff up with outrage and self-importance over nothing, i’ll think of him and wish he were still a voice within the body.
Comment by Jones Matt Wednesday, Jun 17, 20 @ 3:22 pm
If Im not mistaken, he was also a graduate of St Ignatius College Prep on Chicago’s near west side. The same school Madigan and Harmon went to.
That partially explains his outspokenness. If there’s anything that SICP teaches you, its to question authority and question accepted norms.
He was my aunt’s state sen/ state rep for many years. Condolences to the family.
Comment by low level Wednesday, Jun 17, 20 @ 3:30 pm
Bobby was extremely gifted at playing the game, and at mentoring others on how to play the game (while still playing the game himself). If he was your ally on an issue he was fiercely loyal to completing the task. If you were on the opposite side of an issue, he was always ready to meet and discuss if there was a way to find agreement. His ability to extend a committee hearing through testimony is second to none. I’ll miss him dearly.
Comment by unclesam Wednesday, Jun 17, 20 @ 3:32 pm
Wow. Very sad. Bobby was good people. Really enjoyed working with him. Many condolences to his family.
Comment by Shytown Wednesday, Jun 17, 20 @ 3:35 pm
Molaro was one of the good ones, willing to pull you aside and provide a little help in navigating the basics of the capitol and its processes. A little kindness goes a long way, and he proved it many times. I’ll miss him.
Comment by Linus Wednesday, Jun 17, 20 @ 3:37 pm
What a great guy! Bobby didn’t care which side of the isle I sat on. Always willing to help and give advice. They don’t make ‘em like Bobby Molaro anymore. I know he’s talking up a storm right now with some of our other friends who have passed. He will be missed. My prayers for him and his family.
Comment by Tim Schmitz Wednesday, Jun 17, 20 @ 3:40 pm
IIRC, he succeeded Bernie Sadowski as 12th Ward Democratic Committeeman.
I was at a meeting once where one of the people at the table had enough ambition to mention that he might run for Mayor if Daley stepped down. Molaro didn’t even look up, he just said, “there’s like a dozen people in Chicago who decide who the next mayor is gonna be, and you don’t even know their names.” Hilarious.
RIP. Condolences to his family and many friends.
Comment by 47th Ward Wednesday, Jun 17, 20 @ 3:41 pm
47th ward - “ IIRC, he succeeded Bernie Sadowski as 12th Ward Democratic Committeeman.”
Man you just took me back. That was when the 12th ward of Chicago was the Polish / Back of the Yards ward. Yes. When there were Reagan Democrats and ethnics. Liberal on economic issues but conservative on social issues.
That seems so long ago now…
Comment by low level Wednesday, Jun 17, 20 @ 3:48 pm
We need more Bob Molaros and Larry Walsh’s in Springfield
Bob was the BEST
Comment by Just saying Wednesday, Jun 17, 20 @ 3:52 pm
I did a “Chicago Tonight” with Mike Flannery years ago and afterward we met up with Mike’s wife at a restaurant for dinner. Bob and his wife were there. He eventually came over to the table and started telling some story (he had lots of entertaining, but long stories). Like many Americans of Italian descent, Bobby talked with his hands and the more excited he got the more his hands moved. It must’ve been an intense story because he made a point and in doing so knocked over Mrs. Flannery’s wine glass. Dumped a full glass of red wine all over her dress.
Oops.
He looked absolutely stricken and apologized profusely and told the Flannerys to send him the dry cleaning bill and slumped back to his table.
Quietest I’ve ever heard him after that.
lol
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Jun 17, 20 @ 3:52 pm
I recall him pushing a bill one time to outlaw aluminum bats in little league games on a hot spring day in the Stratton building. The amount of ribbing he got for that bill and how hot and miserable that room was and yet he kept dragging on the testimony are two things I will always remember.
He was good people and i was able to spend some time with him recently and instead of talking about his health (which was why we met) he insisted on talking about politics. He lived it and lived for it. I will miss him dearly.
Comment by frisbee Wednesday, Jun 17, 20 @ 4:05 pm
Too many Bobby stories to pick just one, so I’ll just echo HWV’s comments about him being an outstanding mentor and adviser - he helped me more than he ever could’ve realized. Or maybe he did and that was the point. I was a House guy and didn’t know him until he came over after remap, and he took a shine to me, simple as that. He also never minced words about the “upper” chamber he had left. He found his home in the blue zoo.
His stories *were* long and winding, often with many detours and side trips, but really, all you had to do was listen. Then you’d learn.
Comment by Joe Bidenopolous Wednesday, Jun 17, 20 @ 4:17 pm
Bob was the best. A great mentor to me and many many others. While dealing and working with him I noticed he would always be the one to start off a negotiating meeting. And maybe 10-15-20 minutes later someone else would try and get a word in. I think he was trying to settle the issues by wearing us all out.
And Rich to your point about how he would be a natural as a sports announcer. We had him announce a horse race at Maywood Park one night. He did such a good job I think our regular guy thought he might lose his gig. I also don’t think I ever saw him so excited as right before the race started. I am sure there is a copy of that somewhere.
Comment by Jack Kelly Wednesday, Jun 17, 20 @ 4:27 pm
I rarely comment but when I read “Wish I had a pension”
post — I knew Bob, worked for him and with him. Pocks on you and your house.
Comment by odin59 Wednesday, Jun 17, 20 @ 4:49 pm
Another amazing quality about Bobby was that he was all about social justice and equity long before it was politically popular.
As chairman of the House Criminal Law Committee in the mid-2000s, I saw him push back against penalty enhancements to the dismay of his colleagues on BOTH sides of the aisle.
In those days, almost everybody ran on a “tough on crime” platform and filed dozens of bills to show folks back home how tough they were.
Bobby’s committee was the busiest with 100s of bills each week seeking to increase criminal penalties or criminalize new behavior.
He always thought of the little guy and the unfairness that exists in the legal system.
Bobby wasn’t afraid to bury those bills in subcommittee.
He often joked that the way things were going, everything was going to be a Class X felony.
Comment by Super Mario Wednesday, Jun 17, 20 @ 4:57 pm
@Wish I Had a Pension - wish you had a conscience. But nah, it’s always about being aggrieved for some.
Comment by Eloy Wednesday, Jun 17, 20 @ 5:30 pm
Sad to hear, he was a genuinely good and nice person.
Comment by Batman Wednesday, Jun 17, 20 @ 6:56 pm
So very sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. Whether it was interviewing him on the rail about the news of the day or talking over coffee in the Mansionview lobby before session over the years, he was one of my favorite people in Springfield, he was always “in the know”, authentic,and kind. RIP, Bob. Sending prayers of comfort for your family and many friends.
Comment by Jak Tichenor Wednesday, Jun 17, 20 @ 9:59 pm
@Collinsville Kevin {sigh} I guess you never never understood the saying: if you don’t have anything nice to say, then don’t say it.
I was fortunate to work with Bob Molaro and he had more character and compassion than you will ever exhibit. His institutional knowledge under the dome will be truly missed.
Comment by {Sigh} Thursday, Jun 18, 20 @ 12:22 am
A true friend and colleague who will be sorely missed in the Capital and political world in Illinois. Devoted fan and champion of horse racing who continuously fought for the industry’s survival. Devoted husband and father and friend to so many. The “Clubhouse” won’t be the same without you Bob. Bo also sends her regards and condolences to the family. We will all keep Molaro stories in our memories. Bless you Bob.
Comment by Jim Stumpf Thursday, Jun 18, 20 @ 3:50 am
When I became an LA in the Senate Bob was a constant in the office. I used to do a pretty good impression of him and his great ability to have a whole conversation with himself. He would walk up and say “Hey kid, is he here?” And before I could answer, he would say “oh he’s on the floor isn’t he?, that’s ok, is he gonna do this later? Of course he is, I was gonna see him in committee, but I’ll just find him tonight, I gotta talk to him about, oh you don’t care about that, I’ll just find him sometime, is he going to dinner? Oh never mind I got something else, but is he going to do this? I’ll find him sometime kid, ok see ya” I mean he would ask 10 questions, answer them himself before I could say a word. And then finish his thought and walk away. I remember once just sitting there wondering what had just happened because he had a full conversation and got all the answers he was looking for and I never opened my mouth. Bobby was one if the good ones. He always was so great to me. There were A LOT of days he was furious with my Senator but he never took it out on me. He will be terribly missed.
Comment by SENATELA Thursday, Jun 18, 20 @ 4:51 am
I remember him chairing a hearing at JRTC several years ago during the Blagojevich years at a time when Rod was under fire for the amount of state business he was conducting in Chicago versus Springfield.
Bob opens the hearing with the words, “Good morning everyone, welcome to the Illinois State Capitol…”
Comment by Father Ted Thursday, Jun 18, 20 @ 9:09 am
I wasn’t friends with Mr. Molaro, and he probably would only vaguely remember me, if at all. But in my line of work, you come in contact with lots of lobbyists, legislators and others who come to Springfield on business. Some of them are awful, some of them stand out for their decency, I remember the person I used to call Senator Molaro as one of the really nice, decent legislators I encountered. Just an easygoing, nice guy. I was shocked to see the news of his passing. Well wishes to his family and friends.
Comment by TheUpperRoom Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 2:42 pm