Robert E Don

Robert “Bob” Don, beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, skipper, and cherished friend to many, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on October 20, 2025. Born in Chicago on February 17, 1936, to Esther and Sam Don, Bob lived a life full of antics, adventure, and accomplishment.

He is survived by his loving and infinitely patient wife, Charlotte; his children, Abbe Don and Steven (Amy) Don; his grandchildren, Payton and Harper Don; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Marilyn and Rick Kaye; and his granddog, Louis. He was preceded in death by his parents and by his son, Adam David Don.

Bob’s final years were made more comfortable by the devoted care of Luther Abrogueno, who led an extraordinary “A-team” of caregivers — including James Sojor and Peter Nalzaro — who provided him with compassion, humor, and dignity.

A proud South Sider, Bob graduated from Hyde Park High School at age 16, having skipped several grades. He attended the University of Colorado Boulder, where he learned to ski and to celebrate life. After a post-college stint as a ski bum at Ed’s Beds in Aspen, Colorado, he received his call to duty and reported to Louisville, Kentucky, as a junior officer in the U.S. Army. He later earned his law degree from the University of Chicago Law School in1962.

After a brief legal career, Bob joined the family business, Edward Don & Company, where he rose to become CEO and chairman of the board, laying the foundation for the company’s continued success as a 21st-century leader in the foodservice industry.

Bob had a big smile, a big personality, and a biting wit. A passionate sailor, he won many races aboard his beloved J/120 sailboat, Don Quixote. He loved adventure and taught his family to sail, snow ski, water ski, and scuba dive — always leading with humor and courage.

He served on the board of Jewish Children and Family Services and supported numerous charitable organizations. As head of the Chicago Chapter of the American Institute of Wine and Food, he combined philanthropy and pleasure by raising funds through fine dining — a task he embraced wholeheartedly. He shared his love of food with anyone who was lucky enough to be a guest at his table. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Robert (Bob) E. Don Memorial Fund at the Illinois Restaurant Association Education Fund or a charity of your choice. To make a donation online: