Robert “Bob” Spolyar was born in Gary, Indiana, on March 7, 1937, to loving mother, Mary (nee Bucheck) and father, Joseph Spolyar, and passed away December 8, 2025, at the age of 88.
Bob was educated in the Gary Public Schools. He graduated in 1955 from Lew Wallace High School and was very proud of his “Region” roots. His given gifts of a sharp brain, strong work ethic, and enviable resilience landed him at Purdue University for one year before pledging an oath to serve his country, beginning at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. He graduated in the Class of 1960. Bob carried his love of the Naval Academy with him throughout his entire life.
After graduating from the Academy, Bob made his best life decision and wed Marguerite (Marge) Hoffman in Philadelphia. Together, they began a winding road of military service in the United States Marine Corps where Bob flew jets. They enjoyed their time in the Corps’ community through assignments in Pensacola, FL, Kingsville, TX, Camp Lejeune, NC, and Quantico, VA.
When he left the military, Bob took a job as an engineer in Richmond, VA which later brought the family to Lebanon, Indiana. They were delighted to raise their family in a small-town setting with so many great families contributing to their lives and growth. Bob and Marge raised their seven children with equal parts of love, high expectations, and discipline.
While working full time as he and Marge raised their children, Bob attended law school at night, graduating from Indiana University School of Law in 1972. He started his law career as legislative counsel for the Indianapolis-based National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies, leading both state and federal lobbying efforts. Later, he became an independent lobbyist collaborating with clients that included industry leaders in insurance, horse racing, gaming, and retail. His work was instrumental in protecting Hoosier drivers and introducing casino gaming and parimutuel wagering to the state. Bob also served on the board of directors for Indiana Lumbermens Mutual Insurance Company. A man of integrity and honor, he always believed in putting character, effort, and principle above winning.
Bob proudly served on the board of the Lebanon Boys and Girls Club for many years and was an active member of Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Lebanon. An avid fan of Lebanon High School sports, especially baseball, Bob loved the hours he spent at Memorial Park baseball diamond, cheering the teams long after his own children had graduated. Whether at the diamond, court, or gridiron, he loved encouraging young people to work toward their potential.
Sadly, after retirement, dementia began tarnishing his once astute mind. Although he could still recognize his family and produce answers to the Sunday crossword clues, he eventually succumbed to the devastation of Alzheimer’s.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, and his devoted wife, Marguerite.
Survivors include his brother, Richard Spolyar (Jan Edds) of Carmel, his children Anne Sellers (Andrew) of Indianapolis, Robert Spolyar, Jr. (Isabelle) of Carmel, Joseph Spolyar (Lee) of Angola, Stephen Spolyar of Lebanon, Mary Spolyar of Indianapolis, James Spolyar (Michele) of Zionsville, and Kathleen Spolyar of Lebanon. He leaves his fourteen grandchildren: Jane Sellers, Mary Sellers, Eleanor Spolyar, Clara Spolyar, Addison Spolyar, Emily Spolyar, Meredith Hanjora (Noah), Josie Spolyar, Sarah Akinrinlola (Ola), Michael Spolyar, (Jenna), Kristen Spolyar, Andrew Spolyar, Jacob Spolyar, and Samuel Spolyar, as well as his four great-grandchildren Sloan Spolyar, Elena Spolyar, Charly Hanjora, and Sophia Akinrinlola.
The Spolyar family would like to extend thanks and gratitude to their parent’s caregivers who gave so much of themselves over many years to care for both Marge and Bob in their times of frailty and need. We owe much to the good souls of Tonia Fortner, Kina Arnett, Carol Ballard, Suzette Jones, and the entire team at Clover Senior Care. May the blessings you have bestowed upon our parents be received many times over by you.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 319 East South Street, in Lebanon, Indiana. The family will greet friends from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass at the church. Interment with Military Rites will follow services at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, in Lebanon. Myers Mortuary has been entrusted with his arrangements.
Online condolences: www.MyersMortuary.com