Robert A. Rylowicz (1930-2026)
ROBERT ALEX RYLOWICZ
It is with a heavy heart that the Masonic Family Health Foundation announces the passing of Director Robert Rylowicz on Saturday, June 6, 2026, after a long and productive life. Memorial service arrangements are pending.
Bob Rylowicz was born on March 4, 1930, in Chicago to Alex and Marie Rylowicz, both of whom preceded him in death. He earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 1952 where he was a member of Phi Sigma Kapa. While there, he played halfback and fullback for the Fighting Illini and helped lead the team to its historic 40–7 victory over Stanford in the 1952 Rose Bowl. After graduation, he served in the U.S. Army from 1952 to 1954 and attained the rank of first lieutenant. Bob then built a career in life insurance sales. In 1956, he married Audrey Rowbottom, and together they raised three children—Debra, David, and Scott—who survive them, along with their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Bob’s masonic career began in Old Glory Lodge, No. 540, A. F. and A. M. of the State of Illinois, where he was raised in February 1985. He later transferred his membership to St. Cecilia Lodge, No. 865, where he served as Worshipful Master in 1998–1999. He joined the York Rite Bodies which formerly met at Chicago’s Scottish Rite Cathedral. Bob was the senior member of St John’s Conclave, Order of Red Cross of Constantine, over which he presided in 2007. He was a constant presence at our assemblies at the Union League Club of Chicago and could always be counted upon for his good fellowship and wise observations.
Bob joined the Scottish Rite Valley of Chicago in 1985 and was honored with the 33˚ in 2000. Just like in his college football career, in his every organizational commitment Bob led the charge, bringing his seemingly boundless store of energy, intelligence and drive to succeed to whatever the task was at hand. He was president of the Scottish Rite Cathedral Association at a critical point and located the Valley of Chicago’s present site in Bloomingdale. As president of the Union League Club of Chicago, he spearheaded the historic change to admit women members. He lent his expertise to the boards of the Medinah Country Club and the Children’s Dyslexia Centers of Metropolitan Chicago where he served as a director with distinction.
Among his numerous interests in his life, Bob was a private pilot.
Bob’s greatest love was for Illinois Masonic Hospital. He was a director of Illinois Masonic Hospital, chairman of the Illinois Masonic Medical Center Foundation, and the first president of the Masonic Family Health Foundation which was formed after the sale of Illinois Masonic Hospital to Advocate. He was active in Foundation meetings to his last. He took immense pride in his role, enabling the delivery of quality medical care to those in need. Advocate Illinois Masonic Hospital continues to excel in this high calling.
Bob was admired as a stalwart contributor in all his endeavors. Our hearts go out to his family, and we pray that they find comfort in our continued love for Bob.
MFHF Annual review 3.28.2026
Watch out streamed review and hear from a few of our 2025 Grant Recipients, including: Shriners Hospitals, ULC Boys & Girls Club and the Youth of the Year, Alas Wings, and Metropolitan Family Services. Plus so much more!!
25th Foundation Anniversary
2025 Luncheon & Historic Service Recognition
The Masonic Family Health Foundation was founded in 2000 after the partnership with Advocate Health Systems was formed and the new Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center was established. To celebrate the Foundation's 25 years of participation with Advocate, and the continuation of supporting the Chicago healthcare community, the MFHF had an intimate luncheon for board members, hospital directors, and their staff, to give thanks and share in the stories that have molded both the Masonic Family Health Foundation and AIMMC.
In addition to the 25th Anniversary, the Masonic Family Health Foundation recognized the historic service of Robert Rylowicz, Executive Director, who will retire at the end of 2025 from the Executive Director role after more than 50 years of service with the hospital.
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Well Deserved!
GIG Timothy R. Davis 33º received the Past Sovereign Grand Commander Frank M. Summers 33º Stellar Award for his unselfish and outstanding contributions to the Illinois Council of Deliberation, the United Supreme Council A.A.S.R. NJ PHA, and the Scottish Rite Family.
There have only been 4 recipients of this prestigious award in the history of the Orient of Illinois.
Illustrious Brother Davis used his acceptance at the event to speak about the great contributions and works of the MFHF and the Masonic Assistance Program (MAP) as well. Thank you, sir, and well deserved!
Ribbon Cutting at AIMMC, 2nd Phase of the ACC
The Masonic Family Health Foundation was honored to participate in the ribbon cutting ceremony at Advocate illinois Masonic Medical Center officially opening the newest addition, and second phase of the Advanced Center for Care, on September 15th. Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center celebrated the grand opening of its new care tower, the cornerstone of the hospital's $645 million expansion and modernization efforts that will redefine health care delivery on Chicago's North Side.The expansion added nearly 330,000 square feet of new construction, including fully private patient rooms, new mother/baby suites, state-of-the-art operating rooms, 2 floors of medical-surgical beds, a surgical and medical intensive care floor and expanded cardiology and outpatient cancer services."We're proud to mark this milestone with our community as we unveil a space designed to reflect the future of health care," said Advocate Illinois Masonic President Matt Primack.In addition to the new tower, the hospital's outpatient Creticos Cancer Center now provides all-encompassing cancer services, ensuring patients are supported from the beginning of their journey to well intosurvivorship all in one central location.The expansion also includes enhancements to cardiovascular services and the addition of a procedural floor complete with operating rooms, cardiac catheterization, electrophysiology and prep and recovery rooms."As the community has grown and evolved, Advocate Illinois Masonic has followed suit to remain the community's safe space for health and healing," said Advocate Health Care President Dia Nichols.The new tower will welcome its first patients on October 19.
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Gratitude and Graciousness
On March 26, 2025 members of the Board along with Executive Director, Bob Rylowicz and Chairman Will Tienken met with President of Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, Susan Nordstrom-Lopez to wish her well on her upcoming retirement and to celebrate a career at the hospital that spanned almost 4 decades. In addition to celebrating her leadership at the hospital, the Masonic Family Health Foundation presented her with a donation that will go towards the completion of 3 new Nurse Lounges on the AIMMC campus.
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MFHF and AIMMC
Gift presentation by members of the Board and the Masonic Relations Committee to the President of AIMMC, Susan Nordstrom-Lopez and her team
Nordstrom-Lopez, Tienken, & Rylowicz
President Susan Nordstrom-Lopez, Chairman Will Tienken, and Executive Director Bob Rylowicz share stories of their meeting and time together over the decades at AIMMC
MFHF Feeds Nurses
Members of the Masonic Family Health Foundation delivered 220 boxed lunches
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MFHF Serves Front Line
The MFHF provides small meal and care packages for Covid-19 front line staff
Covid-19 Front Line
Continuing to support the Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center teams with meals
Masonic Relations Committee newsletter
Click on the link to read about the Masonic Relations Committee of the Masonic Family Health Foundation, upcoming events and programs, and details about the Masonic Assistance Program (MAP)!
