Robert E. Spiel Jr. (Bob) passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on October 25th, 2024, at the age of 81. He was a devoted husband to Gail Spiel and cherished father to Andy Spiel (Samantha) and Jenny D’Alessandro (Greg). He was a loving grandfather to Elodie and Cameron Spiel and Rory D’Alessandro. His kindness, patience, and humility will be remembered by all.
Bob was born on June 1st, 1943, to Robert and Marie (Swift) Spiel. He grew up in Lake Forest and attended Lake Forest Country Day School followed by Deerfield Academy in Massachusetts. He went on to pursue an undergraduate degree in History with a concentration in Art History at Yale and then graduated with his Doctorate of Jurisprudence from Northwestern Law School. He pursued a 20-year career with the FBI where he proudly served as a Special Agent specializing in international and domestic art theft. He helped build the bureau’s first force dedicated to art-related crime. Over the course of his storied career, Bob returned stolen art by Rembrandt, Picasso, Cezanne and the likes back to their rightful homes in museums and galleries. Upon retiring from the FBI he provided consulting services and authored a complete field manual on the subject of art theft and forgery investigation.
It was serendipitous that midway into his career Bob met Gail in his Chicago apartment building. They were married in 1979 and eventually settled in Lake Forest in Bob’s boyhood home where they raised their family. Their shared love of family and nurturing care for one another would form the unbreakable bond that lasted 45 years of marriage. Bob’s favorite job was being a Dad. He poured his heart into his kids, jumping at every chance to attend a sports game or recital, drive a carpool, or be a listening ear. He proudly supported his children in their interests, academic pursuits and careers. He carried this enthusiasm forward as a beloved “Bapa” to his grandchildren. Bob was also a dedicated Cubs Fan, which is emblematic of the loyalty he demonstrated towards his friends and family.
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Bob’s thoughtfulness, selflessness, and subtle sense of humor will be fondly remembered by his family and friends.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, November 6th at the Church of the Holy Spirit in Lake Forest, Illinois. The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, contributions in Bob’s memory may be made to the National Park Foundation by visiting nationalparks.org, or Elawa Farms Foundation at elawafarm.org/donate. If you so choose, please make your contribution in memory of Robert Spiel so the family can thank you for your thoughtfulness.
