FLOWN WEST: Bob Soraparu

It is with deep regret that I inform the members of the passing of the founder of the Midway Historians, Bob Soraparu. Bob passed away on Friday, December 12.

Bob and I first met in the early 1980s through a mutual friend, renowned aviation photographer and slide dealer Bill Thompson. Our very first phone conversation lasted two hours, as if we had known each other our entire lives. True to form, Bob ended that call with his signature sign-off: “God bless America!”

Although I had been collecting Midway (MDW) photographs prior to our meeting, Bob’s collection was truly astounding. His sources were remarkably diverse and included the Chicago Tribune, Sun-Times, Southwest News-Herald, and even the CTA. Bob had personal relationships with reporters at many of these outlets and often relied on them for inside scoops on Midway news.

It was Bob who suggested that we form the Midway Chapter of the World Airline Historical Society, which we did. Our early meetings were held in our homes, with guests such as Jerry Davis, transportation editor of the Sun-Times, and noted MDW historian Mike Rezich. As we later met Chris Lynch and Dave Kent, authors of Midway history books, membership grew and our meetings eventually moved to various restaurants.

An anecdote that perfectly illustrates Bob’s lifelong dedication to Midway bears repeating. Growing up near the southeast corner of MDW, Bob would ride his bike to the terminal to collect the latest airline schedules. One day in the late 1950s, a photographer asked him to pose with a young girl near the United counter and dispatch area for promotional photos (see photos below). Bob obliged and soon forgot about the encounter. Decades later, in the early 1980s, while researching Midway photographs at United Airlines’ photo archives in Elk Grove Village, Bob was astonished to discover those very photos—featuring himself as a boy—preserved in the collection. 

Bob’s professional career as a Customer Service Representative with Allegheny Airlines, and later USAir, allowed him to play a role in USAir’s opening of its Midway station in the 1990s. He worked at MDW throughout that decade until USAir suspended operations there, after which Bob returned to ORD, where he remained until his retirement.

A consummate gentleman, Bob was known for going out of his way for customers, coworkers, and commuting airline personnel alike. His generosity extended beyond the workplace; with his vast knowledge of Midway and his extraordinary photo archive, Bob was always willing to assist authors, historians, and anyone seeking information about MDW.

Bob will be deeply missed, but never forgotten, by all who knew him. May he enjoy clear skies and a smooth ride.

Farewell, my friend,
Bob Russo

Robert Soraparu Obituary published on Legacy.com by Gibbons Funeral Home - Elmhurst on Dec. 13, 2025.

Robert F. Soraparu, age 79, member of Midway Historians and Addison Senior Club, die hard Chicago Cubs Fan, beloved husband of the late Kathleen, nee Cooney; loving father of Christine (Michael) Noorlag and James (Breann) Soraparu; proud grandfather of Emily Noorlag and Colin Soraparu; dear brother of Linda (Dave) Rozovics and James Soraparu and the late Mary Swets; cherished son of the late Robert and the late Marian; fond uncle of many. Visitation Tuesday, Deember 16, 2025, 8:00 a.m. until time of funeral service 11:00 a.m. at Gibbons Funeral Home, 134 South York Road, (½ mile North of Saint Charles Road), Elmhurst. Interment Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery, Hillside. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Parkinson's Foundation, 5757 Waterford District Drive, Ste 310, Miami, FL 33126. For funeral information please call 630-832-0018 or www.gibbonsfuneralhome.com

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United Airlines promotional photos featuring Bob when he was approximately 10-years-old.