Robert Louis AMICO

17 JUN 1938 - 26 JUL 2022

• BIRTH: 17 JUN 1938, Chicago, Cook, IL
• DEATH: 26 JUL 2022, South Bend, St Joseph, IN

INDEX

[N32776] Robert Louis Amico
June 17, 1938 ~ July 26, 2022 (age 84)

Robert Louis Amico passed away with his daughter by his side on Tuesday, July 26, 2022. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rocco and Eleanor D’Amico, and his two daughters, Mary Anne Amico, and Mary Therese Amico. Robert is survived by his former wife, Judy Lee, mother of his children; his children, Robert J. Amico (Bernadette) of Granger, IN; John Amico of Niles, MI; Ann Amico Moran (Brian) of Granger, IN; and his six grandchildren, Abigail, Zachary, Hannah, Matthew, Genevieve and Patrick. He was born and raised on the Northwest side of Chicago, graduating from Lane Technical High School. He was a first-generation college student and alumnus of the School of Architecture at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and the Graduate School of Design at Harvard University. Robert, commonly known as “Bob,” had an early interest and talent in art and design which became the foundation for his subsequent experience as an artist, designer, architect, consultant, academic and principal in his own firm. Early in his career, he practiced with prominent International Style design firms in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and C.F. Murphy Associates (formerly Murphy/Jahn) in Chicago, Illinois. Trained in the Beaux-Arts and Modern design approaches, he was a strong advocate of individual freedom of expression and academia. He was devoted to the growth of his students and was a strong advocate for them; in turn, they too adored him. In academia, Bob served as a member of the faculty of the School of Architecture for 12 years and became a tenured full professor and chairman of architecture design at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. He was then appointed chairman of the School of Architecture at the University of Notre Dame for 11 years, where he was a tenured full professor for 32 years. His teaching, research and services were conducted in advanced design studios. He became professor emeritus in 2010. After retirement from higher education, coming full circle, Robert embarked on the last phase of his career as AMICO, LLC Art and Design. Bob initiated and participated in numerous volunteer community activities as a true servant leader. He supported as a volunteer and board member with numerous non-profit organizations in the arts and mental health. He loved his grandchildren immensely and spent much of retirement being their chauffeur. “Papa Bob,” as his grandkids called him, could regularly be found across the table at Rocco’s, Villa Macri, and other restaurants in town, sketching on napkins and asking questions about their studies. He took pride in their education, inspiring them to pursue higher degrees of education. He enjoyed art and design, fine Italian cuisine, playing handball for over 30 years, attending athletic events and loved the sunny climes of Florida. He was forever grateful for his parents, family, Dominican nuns and all those that sponsored and supported him in his career. Bob was thankful for his faith, American citizenship, and opportunities he was afforded throughout his life. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:30am on Friday, July 29, 2022 at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart on the campus of the University of Notre Dame. Bob’s final resting place will be at Cedar Grove Cemetery at Notre Dame, Indiana. Palmer Funeral Home-Hickey Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Bob’s name to the Center for the Homeless, 813 S. Michigan Street, South Bend, IN 46601. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.