Robert F. “Bob” Porod was born and raised in the Town of Cicero. He graduated from Our Lady of Charity (OLC) grade school, Morton High School and Morton Junior College, before receiving his B.S. in Mechanical Analysis and Design Engineering from the University of Illinois. He is an active registered professional engineer in Illinois and Michigan. Bob has been married to his wife, Jan, for over 48 years and have three children and four grandchildren.

In his professional life, Bob owns two United States patents and several technical disclosures for mechanical devices. He earned the Charles Ellet Engineering award, the University of Illinois Engineering alumni award, as well as several engineering awards and recognitions. He is a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the Illinois Society of Professional Engineers and the National Society of Professional Engineers.

As a youth in Cicero, he participated in the South Cicero baseball program and was also named to the Cicero Life all-star basketball classic twice. Bob has coached youth baseball and basketball teams in South Cicero and at OLC. He has helped to mentor youth with science, math and continued education opportunities. He has also been an advocate for programs to help senior citizens enjoy a more fulfilled and safe life style.

Bob has also been recognized nationally for his development and invention of the directional sounding device called the “Cricket.” The device has helped guide over several thousand visually impaired individuals for activities such as biking, baseball, kayaking, bowling, hide and seek as well as safety alertness. Bob has disclosed and made this device available to a non-profit organization to produce and donate them free of charge.

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