Robert (Bob) L. Fry, age 88, was born on January 10, 1938, to Agnes (Patterson) Fry and William Lloyd Fry. He lived a long, full, and loving life surrounded by family and friends who meant everything to him.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 36 years, Irene Lugassy Geller; his daughters, Renee (Pat) and Joy (Chris); his son, Kevin (Olivia); his cherished grandchildren, Jack, Samantha, Stacey, Caleb, Darby, and Rowan; and his great-grandchildren, Beau and Madelyn.

Bob was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He will be remembered as a patient, kind, caring, and loving man who adored his family. His relaxed sense of humor and calming presence put everyone at ease. “Yes, dear” was among his most frequent and endearing phrases.

As a devoted father, Bob spent countless hours supporting his children’s interests. In Renee’s youth, he chauffeured her to soccer games and early morning pompon practices, including 5:00 a.m. drives to the gym. They shared many special outings — from attending the World’s Fair in Tennessee to visiting Disney World. Bob often joked that he suggested riding “It’s a Small World” over and over because Renee loved it — though he admitted it was also one of the only air-conditioned places in the park on hot Florida days. He took her to plays, to her first concert (Air Supply), and to fairs where they rode tilt-a-whirls and won prizes, including many goldfish and a beloved bear in lederhosen named Shatzke, who remains with Renee today.

Bob warmly embraced Irene’s family as his own. He lovingly cared for Irene’s parents, Jacques and Ruby Lugassy, who were originally from Morocco, during their later years. Family meals were always meaningful occasions; Kevin often prepared traditional Moroccan dishes such as couscous and lamb phyllo triangles, a favorite meal that Bob especially loved. He also enjoyed a memorable steak dinner prepared by Renee in honor of his 88th birthday.

“Grandad” Bob spent many afternoons babysitting and playing games with his grandson Caleb after school while Joy was working. He also patiently taught Kevin how to drive and was always ready to help wherever he was needed.

Bob was also the family’s dependable “professional mover,” helping his children relocate countless times — often to top-floor apartments. One memorable move included carrying Joy’s belongings up to the 20th floor of her dorm in Milwaukee when the elevator was unavailable.

Bob had a deep love for the arts, including movies, music, literature, politics, and audiobooks. His film tastes ranged widely, from classics to sci-fi, musicals to mysteries, and foreign films to epic sagas. Each year, he gifted Chris a newly released movie for his birthday that he had enjoyed and thought the family would too.

For over 20 years, Bob led his Plato movie group, growing it from a small gathering into a thriving community of more than 100 members. A lifelong learner, he also took courses exploring jazz, blues, and other musical greats. Bob generously volunteered his time for causes close to his heart, including helping with PBS telethons and picking up donated items to support the organization. He stayed engaged with current events and political issues throughout his life; in later years, MSNBC was a daily fixture in his home.

Bob loved animals and cared for many family pets — often bravely. He looked after Renee’s cat, Carrie, for years and once rescued Kevin’s escaped cat, Junk, enduring many scratches in the process. He repeatedly cared for Joy’s temperamental cat, Romeo, while she was on vacation, even after Romeo ambushed him on the stairs and tried to bite him.

Bob also grew quite fond of the wild turkeys who frequented the Hill Farms neighborhood, once questioning whether he should continue eating turkey on Thanksgiving because he and Irene enjoyed watching them so much.

In his yard, Bob humanely live-trapped chipmunks and relocated them to a nearby park to protect his home’s foundation. One year alone, he made more than ten chipmunk relocation trips.

Bob loved to travel when he was able — even if it meant running through airports carrying Irene’s vinyl records and business books. Together they visited Renee in London, where they saw Les Misérables, and also traveled to Montreal, Quebec, and France — among his favorite destinations.

Bob earned both his undergraduate and master’s degrees in social work from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. He worked for the State of Wisconsin for over 30 years as a dedicated public servant, primarily with the Department of Health and Human Services, collaborating with Native American tribes on alcoholism initiatives. He retired at age 55 but continued working as a consultant for two additional years at the state’s request.

Earlier in his career, he worked as an adjudicator in Unemployment Insurance — the same first state job later held by both Joy and Chris. Bob proudly claimed credit for the two of them meeting and eventually marrying, since it was his idea for Joy to take the adjudicator position.

Known for his sharp wit and strong political views, Bob occasionally wrote speeches for government officials and once amused himself by including words he knew a particular politician would struggle to pronounce.

Bob touched the lives of family, friends, neighbors, and community members alike. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered. May his memory be a blessing.

The family extends special thanks to the compassionate medical teams at St. Mary’s Hospital and SSM Hospice for their exceptional care.

A private burial was held. A celebration of life to honor Robert L. Fry will be planned for a future date. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to SSM Health St. Mary’s Foundation or PBS Wisconsin.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Services

3610 Speedway Rd   Madison

608-238-3434