Robert E. Badal was always eager to educate, starting with himself. He self taught himself to speak eight languages, which he used quite often. While working as a Foreign Trade Officer for the Ford Motor Co., he put himself through college, graduating from Lewis University in 1974. During the 1960’s he created the Juliettes all girl drill team, teaching hundreds of girls from 7 to 17 how to march, twirl rifles, swords and flags. A feat that won them several 1st place trophies. An accomplished drummer, who wrote music and taught the drum sections for Drum and Bugle corps, and several school drum lines. Many of his students teach drums today, something put a smile on his face. Robert was given the Citizen of the Year award in 1966 for his community service, he was also written up in the Chicago Percussion and Rhythm magazine, labeling him a “Local Hero”. After 30 years of service he retired from Ford and became a substitute teacher, earning him the Substitute of the Year award in 2001. He taught for 16 years, retiring Nov. 2006, the respect and admiration he received from students he met on the street was in his words “The True Award”. Robert wrote a book on education in our country titled, “Alarm”, he never got the chance to have it published. Robert will be remembered for doing and being many things, but mostly for being a great Father, he will be missed. Robert is survived by his beloved wife Rosemarie; three children, Robert (Karen), Patricia (Dennis) and Geno; five grandchildren, Eric (Katrina), Kimberlee (Joseph), Adam, Taylor and Phillip (Nicole); three great-grandchildren, Alexander, Gavin and a baby due 2007. The family friends that were family to him, and his pal, Florida. Memorial services private.
