Bob Duliba

Robert John “Bob” Duliba, born January 9, 1935, and peacefully departed April 6, 2026, leaves behind a legacy of grit, grace, and an unbreakable love for family and the game he adored. Bob’s journey from the dusty fields of his hometown to the bright lights of Major League Baseball was marked by a quiet determination that made even the most seasoned pitcher look twice. He pitched for the St. Louis Cardinals, Los Angeles Angels, Boston Red Sox, and Kansas City Athletics, but the story that will live with us most vividly is the one about the man who never missed a Sunday family dinner, no matter how late his game had ended. I remember the day the Cardinals were in town and Bob, in his rookie uniform, decided to sneak out of the clubhouse to catch the fireworks display at the local park. He’d told his teammates that baseball was a team sport, but he’d also preached that the real game was in the heart—where friends, family, and community play. That afternoon, as the sky blazed orange, he laughed at a kid’s question about how he could juggle a fastball and a life full of love. That’s how he lived: with a steady hand, an open heart, and a mind that always found a way to turn a pitch into a story. Bob was a husband, father, grandson, and friend who made every moment count. He shared his life with his beloved wife, Marlene, who taught him that a good relationship is built on mutual respect and the occasional shared donut. Together they raised two children, Mark and Linda, who inherited his love for baseball and his uncanny ability to find the perfect joke at just the right time. Bob’s grandkids, now teenagers, still catch glimpses of his warm smile in the backyard, where he spent countless afternoons teaching them how to throw a curveball while humming a tune from the 1950s. Beyond the diamond, Bob was a lifelong enthusiast of fishing, woodworking, and late-night jazz sessions. He could spend an entire afternoon building a birdhouse, then sit on his porch with a cold beer, listening to Billie Holiday, and telling stories that made everyone laugh until their sides hurt. His generosity knew no bounds; whether it was fixing a neighbor’s leaky roof or donating to the local youth baseball league, Bob always found a way to give back. Bob Duliba’s impact on those around him was immeasurable. His teammates recall him as a steady presence in the bullpen, always ready with a pep talk or a quiet joke to lift the spirits before a big game. His family remembers him as the rock that steadied them through every storm, the man who could turn a simple Sunday morning into an adventure. Though he may have left the field, his spirit remains in every laugh, every barbed wire of a baseball glove, and every quiet moment of reflection. Bob’s story is a testament to a life lived with purpose, passion, and an endless capacity for love. He will be missed, adored, and forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.