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BORN
1946
DIED
2025
UPCOMING SERVICE
Robert Horvath Obituary
He is survived by his children, Robert L. Horvath II (Bobby), daughter-in-law Debbie (née Holzbach) Horvath, Kristy (née Horvath) Helmer & husband Tony Helmer of Palmetto, FL, also Michael Horvath and his partner Levi Brandenburg of Nashville, TN; his grandson, Alec Horvath; and his former wife, Karen (née Murphy) Horvath.
He is also survived by his nephew, James Horvath Jr. and his wife Jennifer, their children, Ethan and Emerson Horvath, and his niece Corey Dunlop and her son Connor, whom he all loved very much.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Mamie Horvath, his brothers John and Jim Horvath, and his second wife Julie (née Brauer) Horvath.
In the 1940s and 1950s, Bob's parents owned and operated the popular Johnny's Donuts bakery in East St. Louis, IL. Their early passing brought an end to what many believed would have become a flourishing family business.
At age 18, Bob began his career with the Alton & Southern Railroad, where he quickly rose through the ranks to become a respected foreman and union leader. In the 1980s he transitioned into personal injury investigation, specializing in cases involving railroad workers.
Working alongside his boss and eventual business partner, attorney Jim Williamson, Bob designed and patented the JIMBO Handbrake Release System, created to improve the safety and efficiency of railroad freight car operations. His passion for the railroad industry remained strong throughout his life.
A traditional Catholic mass will be held in Bob's honor on Saturday April 18th at 10:00 AM at Holy Trinity Church Fairview Heights, IL. The family will hold a private burial at Mt. Carmel Cemetery, shortly after. Family and friends are invited to gather at Cured & Cultured Restaurant in the West End of Belleville at 12:00 noon to celebrate Bob! In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Rheumatoid Arthritis Foundation at www.helpfightra.org/donations
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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Sponsored by Belleville News-Democrat.
7 Entries
scott vickery
March 20, 2026
bobby and kristi, i am saddened to see the passing of your father. know that yall are in my thoughts and prayers. i am sure he will be greatly missed as he was a very nice man. scott
Terry Hanson
March 20, 2026
Condolences to the Family. I went to St Elizabeth´s with Bob, and Bro, Jimmy.
Those Donuts were the Best. Jimmy took me into the Basement Business to observe. Some people are just unforgettable. RIP, Old Friend.
Terry Hanson
Eureka, Mo
Bruce Cook
March 19, 2026
Kristy and Bobby,
Please know how sorry I am about your dad's passing. I was lucky enough to have met him a couple times over the years and always found him to be a nice man.
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Althoff Class of 86'
March 19, 2026
Kritsty, we are sorry to hear of the passing of your Father. May he rest in the arms of our lord. RIP, Good Bless
Larry Gleeson
March 18, 2026
Deepest condolences Bobby and Kristi. I was fortunate to have met your dad. You and family are in my thoughts at prayers at this time. May fond memories continue to comfort you.
Janet B
March 18, 2026
When I was a little kid, and we went somewhere, dad would always stop at Johnnys Donuts on the way home. Sometimes his dad would be making them. Our dads were friends and he always let dad in. Dad would buy a dozen donuts to take home. They made the best donuts in the world. I have search high and low for something close. I never have found them. My husband worked for Alton & Southern also. I´m so sorry for your family´s loss.
Father God, be with this family as they mourn.
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