Robert V. "Bob" Ogrodnik, 87, of St. Louis, passed away peacefully on May 11, 2025. Bob is survived by his devoted wife of 60 years, Carol (Morin), daughters Karla Boresi, Erika (Oscar) Yepes, and Tanya (Michael) Haber, six grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.
Bob is an alumnus of the La Salle Academy in Providence, RI, and the University of Rhode Island. Over his 40-year career with Emerson Electric, Bob served as the president of several manufacturing divisions. His extensive work evaluating international acquisitions and partnerships allowed him to fulfill his childhood dreams of traveling the world.
One of the highest privileges of Bob's life was serving as the Honorary Consul for the Republic of Poland. He established the first consulate in St. Louis since 1920, assisted Polish citizens to participate in elections and renew their passports despite being far from home, and acted as a liaison between Poland and the local Polish community.
A passionate philatelist from the age of 7, Bob specialized in stamps from Poland and the Vatican. He served as President of the Polonus Polish Philatelic Society, and was proud of his gold-medal winning exhibit, "First Polish Airmail after WWII."
Organizations such as the Lupus Foundation, National Kidney Foundation and the Bach Society benefited greatly from Bob's time and talents. Bob enjoyed tennis, golf, and travel.
A Mass of Remembrance will be held at 11 am on July 19th at Christ Prince of Peace with visitation starting at 9:30 am. In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions may be made to the National Kidney Foundation, or the Polonus Philatelic Society (https://polonus.org/donations/)
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Published by St. Louis Post-Dispatch on May 18, 2025.
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