Dr. / Col. Robert D. Restuccia

Dr. / Col. Robert D. Restuccia, 75, of Rockford, IL passed away Thursday, March 5, 2020. Born November 13, 1944 in Trenton, New Jersey; the son of Peter and Adeline (Maruca) Restuccia. Robert attended Trenton Catholic Boys High School, class of 1962. He was a graduate of Lehigh University in 1966 then continued as a graduate student at Rutgers University studying Physical Chemistry. In 1968, he entered New York Medical College to fulfill his dream of becoming a doctor graduating in 1972. Upon graduation he moved to Denver, Colorado where he began a pediatrics residency training at the University of Colorado. He joined the Public Health Service in 1974 in Bailey, Colorado. In 1977, he moved to Denver, Colorado to complete his pediatric residency at the University of Colorado, focusing on pediatric pulmonary disease. In 1979, he joined the United States Army and transitioned to an Army Medical Corps Officer stationed in Presidio in San Francisco, California. He proudly served his country at various bases in the United States and Abroad. Robert worked at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center where he retired as a Colonel. After his military career he made Rockford his home and became the Medical Director of the Pediatric Critical Care Unit at Mercy Health (f/k/a Rockford Memorial Hospital). Robert married Carole Malin on November 2, 2014. He was an avid pocket watch, wristwatch, stamp, and coin collector. Robert co-founded the Northern Illinois Watch and Clock Club. Robert was charismatic and had a wonderful sense of humor. He was engaging and loved a good conversation. He traveled the world and immersed himself in local cultures. He enjoyed crosswords and loved to discuss the word of the day. Robert also spent time outdoors cycling and jogging. Most of all, Robert loved his family. He will forever be in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
Survived by his loving wife, Carole; children, Robert P. (Susan) Restuccia, Francesca (Tony Lin) Restuccia, Ándrea (Darren Baird) Restuccia; step-children, Michael G. Paholik, Jr., Jason M. Paholik and Susan (Deniz Bahar) Cathers and son Zachary; grandchildren, Aiella Downing, Naiya Downing, and Giana Downing, step-grandchildren, Rachel Roman, Nathan Paholik, Hunter Paholik, Jason Paholik; sisters, Rose Marie (Michael) Farrell, LuAnn (David) Mabrey, Kathleen Saraniero, brother-in-law, Scott Malin; sister-in-law, Kristine Brady; adoptive son, Dr. Ikram Akhtar; numerous nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents; brother-in-law, Stephen Saraniero. The family would like to thank the OSF Hospice Care team, caregiver, Bill and the entire “Team Robert”.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Cremation rites accorded with Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.