When Bob Pearson turned 100, he didn’t say much — just enough.
“It’s two thumbs up,” he said, smiling.
The Chicago native celebrated the milestone Tuesday surrounded by loved ones at Palos Heights Senior Living, where he’s lived since 2020.
“He is the most kind and gentle person I’ve ever met,” said his stepdaughter, Nancy Borsellino of Palos Heights.
Pearson spent 10 years in an orphanage before being adopted by Alice and George Pearson, who lived in Chicago’s Woodlawn neighborhood. As a child, he was known for his peaceful nature and strong work ethic. He later graduated from Steinmetz College Prep.
His love of numbers led him to a long career in accounting at Ryerson Steel, where he worked for more than 40 years until his retirement. It was also where he met his first wife, Val, who had two children before marrying him.
Val passed away in 1993. Four years later, Pearson met his second wife, Agnes, at Calvary Church in Chicago. She, too, had two children prior to their marriage. Agnes passed away in 2018 at the young age of 96.
From both marriages, Pearson now has 12 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
“We’ve always looked at ourselves as one big family,” said his grandson, David Szymendera of Chicago. “Even though he’s not technically a blood relative, he’s always been our Grammpy. He’s always been there for all of us.”
Pearson, who has always been active, also passed on his love of classical music to his great-granddaughter, Bryanne Misch.
“He introduced me to classical music at a very young age,” said Misch, of Chicago. “I fell in love with it and eventually learned to play the violin. I thank him for helping me discover my talent.”
Pearson is one of just three residents at Palos Heights Senior Living to reach 100. The facility, located at 7100 W. College Drive, currently houses 179 seniors.
His milestone was celebrated with cake, music and a chorus of “Happy Birthday” led by family, staff and fellow residents.
“Bob is always kind and always friendly,” said Executive Director Pauline Kennedy McGrath. “He’s a quiet guy, but he greets everyone with a smile and a thumbs up. That’s his trademark.”
Palos Heights Senior Living is part of Spectrum Retirement Communities and offers apartment-style living, amenities, and wellness programs. Residents enjoy access to the Cal-Sag Trail, Olde Palos and Orland Square malls, Lake Katherine and the nearby forest preserve.
“It’s a beautiful setting,” McGrath said. “And people like Bob make it even better.”
