PORTSMOUTH--Robert "Bob" Thomas Bilko, 96, went to join the Lord January 4, 2023. He was born in Richmondale, Pennsylvania, to the late Joseph and Marcella.

Bob graduated from Forest City High School. He served in the U.S. Navy during WWII.  The first enlistment, he was an EM3 (Electrician's mate) aboard the U.S.S. Bolster ARS-38. During his second enlistment, he worked his way from EM3 to an EM1 aboard the U.S.S. Newport News CA-148 and was a plank owner. After an honorable discharge, he continued his education by attending Chicago College of Laboratory Technique and worked as a medical technologist in Illinois. Later he moved to Virginia, where he joined the medical staff at Portsmouth Naval Hospital and was in charge of the pediatric lab and later special hematology oncology. During his second enlistment, he met the love of his life, Frances Bryant, who worked as a nurse. They married in 1950 and had three lovely children. They were married for 72 years.

Bob enjoyed hunting, running and loved spending time with family. He was a steadfast man who dedicated his life to the LORD and his Church, where he served in many roles. While in Illinois, he joined the Knights of Columbus and is currently honored with Honorary Life membership in the 3rd and 4th degree. Bob was a Past Grand Knight of Holy Angels Council #10766 and a Past Faithful Navigator of St. Paul's Assembly #1166. As Faithful Navigator, he was instrumental in the construction of a memorial dedicated to the Unborn and Unwanted Children in All Saint's Cemetery in Portsmouth.

Bob is survived by his loving wife Frances; sons Larry and Robert; daughter Christine (George); grandchildren Melissa and Christopher (Selene); and great-grandchildren Melody, Mackenzie, and Cimorene.

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Maryview Hospital for their loving care of Robert during his time there.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, January 12, at Foster Funeral Home, 1926 High St., Portsmouth. A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 13, at Holy Angels Catholic Church, 34 Afton Pkwy., Portsmouth. Burial will follow at Meadowbrook Memorial Gardens, with a reception at Holy Angels Parish Center after burial. Condolences may be registered at BWFosterFuneralHome.com.