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Robert “Bob” Andrini

October 8, 1943 - November 6, 2025

Robert “Bob” Andrini Robert “Bob” Andrini
  • VISITATION
    November 11, 2025 | 3-8:00 P.M.
  • Yurs Funeral Home
    405 East Main Street
    St. Charles, Illinois
  • Funeral
  • November 12, 2025 | 10:30 A.M.
  • St. John Neumann Catholic Church
    2900 East Main Street
    St. Charles, Illinois
  • Burial Location
    Private-Resurrection Cemetery, Geneva

Robert “Bob” Andrini, a lifelong member of the St. Charles community and a devout member of St. John Neumann Catholic Church passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on November 6th , 2025. He was a man of quiet strength and unwavering dedication to sharing the wonders of the natural world with others. His involvements and accomplishments were as vast as the skies he loved to watch.

He was born October 8th, 1943 to Attilio and Matilda Andrini. Bob met Kathleen “Kathy” Kopacz, the love of his life, in 1963. She was his bride for 54 years and they were blessed with three children, Anthony, Gerilyn and Joy. Three grandchildren followed who were his greatest treasure.

Bob spent his life rooted in the Fox Valley, where he cultivated a love for birds, conservation, and community service. As gifted educator, he inspired generations of students and nature enthusiasts through his work as a biology teacher and as a respected naturalist. His enthusiasm was contagious—whether leading a birding walk at dawn or giving a talk at a local nature center, Bob had a way of making the birding world come to life. Even after 33 years of teaching at Addison Trail High School, he continued educating through park district programs and within school districts.

Bob was a longtime member of the Kane County Audubon Society and served as president from 1996 to 2019. His keen eye, knowledge, and gentle encouragement made him a beloved figure in birding circles. In 2020, Bob was named an Illinois Audubon Society Hero, a distinction reserved for individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to conservation and education across the state. He was recognized with the naming of a hiking trail and commemorative bench at Hickory Knolls Natural Area in St. Charles, honoring both Bob and Kathy, for their years of volunteerism and passion for birding and educating.

He is survived by his loving family, who carry forward his legacy of kindness and passion for nature; his children, Anthony Andrini, Gerilyn (Russell) Benning and Joy (Samuel) Wilson and his three grandchildren, Riley Benning, Elijah and Isaac Wilson, his Sisters-In-Law Donna Andrini, Caroline Andrini and Brother-In-Law Thomas (Linda) Kopacz and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Kathleen Kopacz Andrini, his brothers Bernard and Ralph Andrini and their parents.

Bob’s life was a testament to lifelong learning and the joy of sharing one’s passions. His mentorship shaped the careers of many young naturalists and his legacy lives on in the thriving birding community he helped build. His presence will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, November 11th from 3-8pm at Yurs Funeral Home, 405 East Main Street, St. Charles.  Funeral mass on 10:30 A.M., Wednesday, November 12th at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 2900 East Main Street, St. Charles. Donations can be made to the Illinois Audubon Society or Feed My Staving Children.

 

Condolences


Joann Dunlap from Chillicothe, IL

"Bob was a special person and cousin to our family. My parents, Rudy and Val Dallesasse, enjoyed visits over the many years they lived in St. Charles. We will miss him and send our sympathy."


Doris Dyer from Geneva, IL

"Bob was a warm and welcoming presence. He will be greatly missed and warmly remembered."


Debbie Trotter from Bradenton , FL

"Mr. Andrini was one of my all time favorite teachers. I was Blessed to have him as both my sophomore biology teacher and my senior anatomy and physiology teacher. He taught beyond science, he gave life advice too. I often quote one of his pearls of wisdom, decide how you will respond before you get into a situation so you are acting on emotion, you are making a sound decision. I our lives crossed paths. I will always remember him fondly. My sympathies to his family and friends."


Don Shaw from Crystal Lake, IL

"Bob was a wonderful and intelligent man who lived his Catholic faith daily, whenever and wherever he encountered others. I served with Bob on the St. Charles Youth Commission and his views were always Christ centered and service oriented to others. Bob's knowledge of birds and love for protecting nature was exemplary. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him."


Bob Aronson from Harrisburg, PA

"Mr. Andrini was my favorite teacher, and was impactful to me even as I continued my education through to the doctorate. I had him for biology and then physiology—and that was not enough. He offered a course in ornithology, and would take us out before daybreak in the cold spring mornings to go birding. I am so thankful for his life and his dedication to his students. Mr. Andrini, you have left a beautiful mark on me and so many others. AT class of 1979."


Rachel Neville from Batavia, IL

"I want to express my deepest sympathy. Bob was an amazing bird watcher. I enjoyed walks with him and I enjoyed his internet posts. He will be missed by me and many others.be missed."


Cindy (Brown) Doll from Perham, MN

"I am so sorry to hear of Bob's passing. He was a neighbor of ours when I was growing up in St. Charles. My folks, Wally and Phyllis Brown, we quite fond of Bob and Kathy, and always enjoyed talking with him. My heartfelt condolences to the family and those who knew and loved him. Thinking of you with sympathy and wishing you peace and comfort in the days ahead. Rest in Peace, Bob."


Michael Frohling from Casa Grande, AZ

"I am so sorry for your loss. Your dad meant a great deal to me growing up, and I will always be grateful for the way he treated me like one of his own. His kindness, patience, and steady presence shaped more of my childhood than I can ever fully express. I hope you can take some comfort in knowing how far his influence reached and how warmly he was loved. I am holding you and your family in my thoughts. If you need anything, I am here."


Julie Grainge from Elmhurst , IL

"The words in this obituary seem so spot on. Mr Andrini will forever be my favorite teacher and the reason behind my love for science. I was his student in 1982, and when he learned of my love for cribbage, and that we shared a lunch period, he often invited me to bring my sandwich to his classroom where we would play cribbage the entire period. He was a very special person indeed and his enthusiasm for everything he taught was so apparent. My heartfelt condolences for your loss. He truly left a beautiful mark on this world."


Alice smith from Tarpon Springs , FL

"Bob scheduled bird watching sessions at 6am before school. I can't think of another teacher who was that committed to his love of birds. I always felt better knowing he was in school. He exuded faith and happiness."


Anna Marie Horn nee Scaramuzzi from Carol Stream, IL

"I was fortunate to have him asy Biology teacher in high school. Every time that he made time before school to practice with me to help me become a better badminton player, I felt his strength and confidence. His memories are a part of me."


Richard Marchessault from Carol Stream, IL

"Bob and I were colleagues at Addison Trail High School. I taught in the Social Studies and English Departments, but I had many opportunities over the years to get to know Bob and to recognize his accomplishments in the Science Department. Bob was an outstanding teacher who inspired his students with his knowledge, his warm sense of humor, and his passion for all of the subjects that he taught. I extended my condolences to Bob when I got word that his beloved Kathy had passed away, and he kindly reciprocated a few months later when my wife Ellen passed away. I will always be grateful for the insights and the wisdom about dealing with grief after the death of a loved one that he shared with me. Bob’s colleagues, his students, and the residents of St. Charles are all the better because of the remarkable life that he led. May he rest in peace."


Teri Nowak from Sycamore, IL

"I met Bob while I was birding at Afton in DeKalb years ago! What a wonderful kind man to talk to about birding! Prayers go out to his entire family!"


Elsa Salazar from Merida, Mexico, IL

"My boys and I served alongside Bob a few times at Feed My Starving Children. He walked the talk when it came to the faith, leading by example. Truly a loss to those who knew him. Praying for comfort and peace for his family."


Oded Ovadia from Lehavim, IL

"I had the privilege of meeting Bob during our sabbatical year in Chicago (2015), when we both volunteered at the Field Museum of Natural History. We shared a deep love for birds and birdwatching.From my very first day at the museum, Bob welcomed me with the warm smile that so perfectly captured his spirit. Our conversations were always pleasant and engaging. He often spoke lovingly about his family, his students, and, of course, about birds and birding.Our weekly meetings at the museum became a meaningful part of my time in the Windy City. Even after I returned home to Israel, we stayed in touch, and his smile continued to appear from time to time on my Facebook feed.Bob will be truly missed.With heartfelt sympathy, Oded Ovadia Israel"


Mary Moretti Cerny from Antigo, WI

"I had Mr Andrini in high school as my Biology & Anatomy class! He definitely helped to spark my interest in my nursing career which I had a successful career for 40 years. I’m so sorry for your loss of a man who helped touch so many students lives at Addison Trail high school and beyond. May you have peace & the love of the Lord to comfort you in knowing he had a life well lived!"


Bill Hertz from Villa Park, IL

"Along with so many others, Mr. Andrini was at the top of the list of my favorite teachers. His enthusiasm and sense of humor made class fun and interesting. Having also taught high school science, I realize how lucky we were to have him as our teacher. I was lucky enough to be able to tell him this when I recognized him at a luncheon a few years ago and went up and talked with him. Not surprisingly, he didn’t recognize me. But when we were done talking he thanked me then smiled and said, Just remember, I remember everyone as when they were 16. Thank you Mr. Andrini. AT class of 1975."


Pat (Torrence) Ware from Greensboro , GA

"Mr Andrini was one of the handful of my teachers that I remember. He inspired, he challenged, he taught with a true passion. My condolences to the family. May precious memories bring you peace."


Marshall brodien from Bloomingdale , IL

"Great memories of the family together many times sorry I didn’t make the service. Thinking about you guys and praying for your comfort, peace love, and joy. Blessings and very sorry for your loss. Love you guys."


Stephanie Tresemer from Geneva, IL

"Joy and family I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. I will be praying for all of you. Sending hugs your way. The Tresemer’s"


Nancy Kopman from Batavia, IL

"Bob was so special to me. I met him through the Fox Valley Audubon Club. I joined many of his birding hikes. He was so kind and patient when he led hikes. Knowing him and his love for people and birds Is a blessing."


Maggie Kurcz from Downers Grove, IL

"I want to extend my most sincere condolences to Bob's family during this difficult time. I had the pleasure of being his student in a local college course many years ago. I was in awe of his vast knowledge of ornithology - his enthusiasm for the subject matter was so inspiring. As a young biologist, his guidance helped spark the curiosity and confidence that shaped my path. I continue to be deeply grateful for the impact he had on my life, career and lifelong love of birds."


Amy (Dean) Grissom from Crystal Beach , TX

"Mr. Andrini is one of my favorite memories of my education at Addison Trail HS. As my favorite teacher (and my mothers favorite teacher for her 4 children that attended ATHS) he inspired me to achieve my ambitions and never give up on my dreams. My favorite test questions (for extra extra credit) were "what is the name of my child who was just born" or what is the name of your favorite bird" I graduated AT in 1974 with a love of nature and science, thanks to Mr. Andrini. I extend prayers to his family and friends for peace beyond all understanding! Mr. Andrini, a life well lived."


Amanda Kurzeja from Hainesville, IL

"As others have said, he was one of the most memorable teachers at Addison Trail! He took great passion in his teaching and passed it on to his studentsI I remember when he had me working on separating proteins in animal blood! I had to go to the local vet and ask for dog blood for the project! I also remember the chinchilla that he had in class as well! He will be greatly missed!"


Jeff Reiter from Glen Ellyn, IL

"What a great guy. I wish I'd known him better but every interaction I had with Bob was friendly and positive. It's safe to say that he brought dozens of new birders into the hobby and inspired many to become lifelong advocates for conservation."


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