Robert Kostka

It is with very deep sadness, that we share the news that the world lost a very special man, Robert Edward Kostka on April 22, 2025. He transitioned peacefully at home under the care of his children and hospice support. He is predeceased by his wife of 59 years, Ruth Reilly Kostka. He is survived by his two children. His son, Leonard Robert Kostka of Raleigh NC, and granddaughter Krista Lyn Kostka of Clarksville, TN. Daughter, Judith Ellen Kostka of Raleigh, NC, and grandson Keith Kostka, his wife Catherine Kostka, and two great granddaughters Maggie June Kostka and Lucy Rose Kostka, of Holly Springs, NC.
“Bob” was born in Detroit, MI on September 26, 1926, the youngest of five children born to Anthony and Rose Kostka. He attended St. Joseph’s High School in Detroit, MI until he was drafted in his senior year into the army in 1944. After serving his term, he was hired by U.S. Radiator and moved to Harrison, NJ. It was there that he met the love of his life, Ruth “Peg” Reilly, at a dance at the YMCA. They were married August 1, 1953, and bought a house in Kearny, NJ, where they started their family. When his employer was purchased by Crane Company, Bob commuted daily into Manhattan, NY. He then pursued his career as a sales representative with Crane, and relocated the family to Brookfield, CT in 1968. Bob and Peg were active in their community and their church, St. Joseph’s in Brookfield, where he was an usher for several decades, and was at one time president of the St Joseph’s Mens Club. The two loved to square dance, and also attend dances at their church. They also enjoyed taking the family to the Jersey Shore for summer vacations every year.
Bob and Peg moved to Raleigh, NC in 2006 to be closer to family. After having been a member of The Notables, a singing group in Brookfield, Bob joined the Encore singers after moving to Raleigh.
Bob discovered a love for running in his early 70’s. He loved collecting t-shirts and medals and ran over sixty 5K races, and couple of 10K races as well, and did so into his early 80’s. He was an avid bowler, and a member of the Grey Foxes bowling team until he had to retire from playing at age 95.
Bob and Peg were regulars at the Anne Gordon Center for Active Adults, they made many dear friend there while playing cards and bingo.
All of Bob’s caretakers at Duke Hospital and Transtions Hospice consistently described him a “so sweet”. He was mild-mannered, quick witted, funny, kind, classy and the epitome of how you can live a full, healthy life if you do everything in moderation. He will be terribly missed by his adoring family, and many friends.

There will be a mass Thursday, May 1st at 12:30 at St. Raphael’s Church, 5801 Falls of the Neuse Rd. Raleigh. NC. 27609, followed by a celebration of life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to Transitions Life Care. 250 Hospice Cir. Raleigh. NC. 27607 or The Anne Gordon Center. 1901 Spring Forest Rd. Raleigh. NC. 27615.