Troia, Robert August

CROSS PLAINS - Robert August Troia, 74, went into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021, surrounded by his loving family.

Bob was born on Jan. 14, 1947, in Madison, Wis., to Joseph and Elizabeth (Johnson) Troia. Bob spent his childhood in Madison's notorious Greenbush neighborhood. He spent many beloved years working with his parents and tight-knit extended family at The Italian Village Restaurant and Troia's Steakhouse, where he was not only employed, but where he entertained everyone with his larger-than-life personality, smiling brown eyes and charismatic charm. Bob continued working in the restaurant business for many years in the Madison area. In 1988, with their strong work ethic and ambition, Bob and his wife, Cindi, started Badgerland Chemical and Supply Company in Middleton, where he proudly served the local community as a businessman for the past 34 years. He had a special place in his heart for employing at-risk individuals and was always able to pick out the diamonds in the rough. He impacted countless lives that left many thankful hearts.

Bob was a member of Mount Olive Lutheran Church in Madison where he loved his church family and served as a board member and devoted messenger of the Gospel. Bob was never happier than when he was hosting parties and sharing with others. Bob never met a stranger, only friends in waiting.

Family was everything to Bob, and family also included fur and four legs. He opened his home to exchange students, who quickly became part of the family. Bob was a father figure (even to his own siblings whom he loved very much and was very proud of) and mentor to many. He spent much of his time gladly attending volleyball tournaments, basketball games, church programs, plays and school events. Bob was very proud of all his children. He loved the holidays, and always made sure that all of them were home with him to celebrate in true Troia fashion. He was immensely proud of his Sicilian roots and loved celebrating with his friends and family every year at Festa Italia. Bob fought courageously to stay with his family through many illnesses for as long as the good Lord allowed.

Our dearest husband, loving father, brother and son's love for Jesus, amazing spirit and love for others will live on through all of us. Bob brightened the lives of many, and he will be deeply missed.

Robert is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Cynthia; children, Chad (Melissa), Jessica (Tim) Jayroe, Natalie (Tony) Lage, Lauren (Marc) Brown, Andrea Troia, and Joshua (Kayleigh); grandchildren, Reagann, Cale, Tucker, Robby, Christian, Lena, Logan, Micah, Emerson, and Joshua Robert II (due in March); mother, Elizabeth Troia; brothers, Joseph (Lynn) Troia and Brett (Kimberley) Troia; sisters, Judy (John) Wettengel, Leslie (John) Menichini, and Jennifer (David) Gulbrand; grandpup, Sam; and many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.

Robert is preceded in death by his son, Robby; father, Joseph; brother, Gregory; sister, Leisa Douglas; and father-in-law, Robert Radtke.

A special thank you to Meriter Hospital ICU doctors and nurses for the amazing care and compassion they gave to Bob, as well as heartwarming appreciation to Pastor Jason and Laurel Zobel.

Bob's (COVID SAFE) visitation will be at Mount Olive Lutheran Church, 110 North Whitney Way, Madison, Wis., on Friday, Jan. 29 from 4 p.m.-8 p.m. His (COVID SAFE) funeral will be at Mount Olive Church, Saturday, Jan. 30 at 11 a.m. The funeral service on Saturday will be available via livestream on the Mount Olive Lutheran Church Facebook page, for those who cannot attend in person.

At a future date we will have a celebration of Bob's life; look for an announcement of date, time, and locations in late summer or early fall.

Memorial donations, in lieu of flowers, may be made to the Mount Olive Lutheran School: 110 North Whitney Way, Madison, WI 53705.