Robert “Bob” Piaro was born on January 25, 1950, in Milwaukee to Robert and Mauriel (nee Schauer) Piaro. He passed from this life leaving behind a family who loved him beyond words, countless friends, fellow veterans, and so many people whose lives he changed simply because he cared.
On June 12, 1982, Bob married Judy Ann Kertscher in Fillmore, Wisconsin. Judy was the love of his life and his partner through all of the years that followed. Together, they built a family, shared joys and challenges, and created a lifetime of memories.

Bob served his country as a Lance Corporal in the United States Marine Corps, Company G, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, 3rd Marine Division. He retired from the Marine Corps on November 25, 1969. For his service in Vietnam, he was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. He was a member of the “Magnificent Bastards.”

But Bob’s service didn't end when he took off his uniform.
For the rest of his life, he carried the spirit of a Marine with him. He became a tireless champion for veterans, particularly those who were homeless or struggling to find their way home. Bob was the founder of the Veterans Assistance Foundation and the founder and past president of Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 448. He also served as a past president of Vietnam Veterans of America and became a nationally recognized leader in advocacy for homeless veterans. Bob was named VVA National Veteran of the Year. Bob was also a member of American Legion Post #410.
Bob believed that no veteran should ever be forgotten.
And when Bob believed in something, you knew it.

Nothing brought Bob more pride and happiness than his family. He loved Judy, his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren with everything he had.
He was the kind of grandpa who showed up.
He showed up in the stands. He cheered. He yelled. He celebrated. He worried. He laughed. And, often, everyone knew exactly where Bob was because they could hear him. He was the proud and loud grandpa. Whether they were on the field, in the gym, on the stage, or simply living their lives, Bob was watching and cheering them on. Their accomplishments were his accomplishments. Their happiness was his happiness. He treasured every moment he had with them.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 44 years, Judy; his children, Jason (Tammy) Miller, Jamie (Sherry) Miller, Melissa (special friend Cornell) Stetler, and Michelle (Jamie) Hammen; and his grandchildren, Nina (Melissa) Larsen, Alexis (Jordan) Dufrane, Hailey (Roger) Bock, Taylar (Matthew) Swortzel, Collin Stetler, and Tristan (Sam Hart) Hammen.
He was the proud great-grandfather of five, with one more precious great-grandchild expected in March.
Bob is also survived by his brothers, Todd and John, his sisters, Beth, Barb, Chris, Debbie, and Dawn, and his brother-in-laws Jerry and Don along with extended family and friends who will carry his memory with them.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Janet, and Mauriel and Dale ; his parents-in-law, Wilmer and Ann Kertscher; his sisters, Linda, Cindy, Cheryl; and his brother, Bryan.
Bob loved his Packers. He loved WWE. He had a way of making his presence known, and the silence left behind by his absence will be felt deeply.
There will be so many things his family will miss.
They will miss knowing that no matter what happened, Bob would be there.

The family would like to extend a very special thank you to the staff of Zilber Family Hospice for the care, kindness, dignity, and compassion they gave Bob and his family during his final days. Your support will never be forgotten.

There will be a private family service. In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to Unity Chapel at the VA.