Funeral Details

Dr. Robert B. Pildes passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 98 and 11/12ths. Bob is survived by his wife Rosita, to whom he was happily married for 73 years, his son Richard (Ashley Berner) and daughter Ellyn (John Bank), as well as three grandchildren, Nikki Bank (Drew Lewis) Kara Bank (Joe Dobell), Ryan Pildes Eliasberg, and one great grandson, Caleb Bank-Lewis. His sister Evelyn (Philip) Warren and her husband pre-deceased him.

Bob was a renowned obstetrician and gynecologist in private practice. He specialized in fertility treatment and cancer surgery. He was one of the early clinical researchers who helped establish Clomid as a successful treatment for infertility in women, including publishing landmark studies that were critical in the FDA’s approval of the drug in 1967 and its widespread clinical use. At the time, infertility treatments were limited. He was considered a meticulous surgeon with tremendous patience and technical skill. His physical stamina was extraordinary; he could be up all night with deliveries, then perform complex surgery during the day. He served on staff at Mount Sinai and Edgewater Hospitals and later was a founding staff member at Gottlieb Hospital. His patients and office staff adored him. He delivered the children of many family members, including his own granddaughter.

Bob came from humble origins. Born on the west side of Chicago to parents who immigrated from Latvia and Poland, his father was a tailor. Being drafted into the military one semester into college changed his life in two momentous ways. First, Bob had a scientific mind, loved animals and nature, and had planned to be a zoologist. But a sergeant convinced him he should turn his scientific interest toward an area that would help people by going into medicine.

Second, being in the military delayed his college years, which enabled him to meet the love of his life, Rosita, in a zoology class at the University of Illinois/Champagne Urbana. They became lab and study partners, while enjoying post-study sessions with malted shakes. They married one week before medical school graduation.

Never in a bad mood, Bob had an infinite capacity to enjoy life and unlimited curiosity. He began collecting stamps at the age of eight and eventually became an award-winning philatelist best known for his extensive collection and specialized expertise on Israeli philately. He and Rosita traveled and collected art from around the world, with Bob having a particular interest in African sculpture. He consumed several newspapers and journals regularly and remained deeply engaged in politics and world affairs until the very end. He was an extremely generous, warm, and optimistic soul who remained deeply devoted to friends, colleagues, and extended family.

Service will be held on Monday, October 5, 2026, at 12 noon at Chicago Jewish Funerals, 8851 Skokie Blvd. (at Niles Center Road), Skokie. Interment Westlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the World Wildlife Fund, the Society of Israel Philatelists, and Birthright Israel. To attend the livestream, please visit our website. Arrangements by Chicago Jewish Funerals, 847.229.8822, www.cjfinfo.com

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