Obituary: Robert Ronald Anzalone

Robert Ronald Anzalone (February 25, 1943 – June 16, 2022)

Robert Ronald Anzalone was born on February 25, 1943 to Barbara Pearl Liss in Delray, Michigan. He passed on June 16, 2022. Bob and his mother were some of the first tenants of the new Herman Gardens community, where they lived during World War II while his mother worked at the Willow Run bomber plant. His beloved Aunt, Lillian Bzdok, cared for him while his Mother contributed to the war effort. He attended school and church at All Saints Catholic Church on West Fort Street in Detroit, Michigan, where he served as an altar boy. He and his mother moved to Riverview in his early teens, and he graduated from Riverview High School in 1961.

In high school, Bob met the love of his life – Mary F. Forrester – and they married on October 28, 1961. They had two children, Mark Robert Anzalone and Anna Marie Anzalone. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2011 with their friends and family.

Bob started working in a machine shop after high school and raced cars on the weekends at Detroit Dragway. Through determination, hard-work, and perseverance, he became a renowned engineer during his time at Kar Kraft and Kelsey Hayes. In 1978, he built a 1923 T-bucket that won the Ridler Award for Excellence at the Detroit Autorama. His passion for automobiles led he and his wife to retire in 1987 and work full time at their business, R&A Engineering. Bob did full chassis restorations of classic cars and many went on to win at concours shows around the country. He was rated one of the top restorers in the United States, and continued to have a hand in restorations until his passing.

Bob was preceded in death by his mother Barbara Pearl Liss, brother Donald Joseph Anzalone, and son Mark Robert Anzalone. He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Mary F. Anzalone, daughter Anna Marie Anzalone, son-in-law James Baughey Jr., beloved granddaughter Meredith and brother Larry Anzalone (Jackie).

A memorial service will be arranged for friends and family at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution to Therapaws of Michigan or the Lenawee Humane Society would be appreciated. Please leave a message of comfort for Bob’s family or sign his guestbook at www.EinederFuneralHomes.com.

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by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and founder of the Manchester Mirror.