Robert Dennis Wolford Ph.D

Dr. Robert Dennis Wolford, 68, of Belvidere, IL passed away on March 18, 2021.
He was born on April 8, 1952 in Beloit, WI, the son of Robert and Crystal Louise (Moody) Wolford.

Robert served his country in the United States Army. After 6 years of courtship, Bob married Debra Elliott on June 3, 1988 at the Church by the Side of the Road in Rockton, IL. Bob began his law enforcement career with the Rockford Park District, continuing on to the Winnebago County Sheriff's Department where he worked patrol and became a detective. Bob had a gift for listening and understanding the challenges and stresses of police officers. In 1993, he earned a PhD in Psychology from Northern Illinois University. Bob worked his dream job for 17 years as the Chief Psychologist for the Michigan State Police Behavior Science Unit, retiring in 2017. Bob's passion was helping law enforcement officers and their families who suffered from mental and behavior health issues due to the stresses of public safety. Doc Bob, as he was known by many of the Troopers, saved countless lives behind the scenes and mended many marriages and family relationships. When he wasn't working or on call, Bob had a variety of interests. He was an avid Harley motorcycle rider and a blues music enthusiast. He enjoyed playing the guitar and spending evenings by the fire pit overlooking the Grand River at their home in Michigan. He enjoyed tree carving and finding the perfect pieces of wood to make family treasures such as their dining room table, end tables and wood sculptures.

Robert is survived by his wife of 33 years, Debra Wolford; daughters, Crystal (Shane Crozier) Wolford and Trisha (Tim) Wolford Tharp; son, Mark (Amy Sacksteader) Dickson; grandchildren, Nolan, Elliott and Casper; sisters-in-law, Barb Walsh, Cathy Button and Lynn Lang; best friends, Jim and Debbie Puckett; close family friend, Lori Fleege, and Michigan friends, Chuck and Sue Nicholson and Diane Ballard. He is preceded in death by his parents.

Robert’s family extends a special thank you to the doctors and staff at the Swedish American Cancer Center and the Veterans Administration.

A walk-thru visitation will be held on Saturday, April 3rd, 2021 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Road, Rockford, IL 61108. Masks and social distancing are required. Memorials may be made in Dr. Robert Wolford's name to the Michigan State Trooper's Assistance Fund, C/O the MSPTA, 1715 Abbey Rd., Suite B, East Lansing, MI 48823 or online at https://unionly.io/o/mstaf, donations to the Fallen Trooper Memorial or MSTAF Donations.

Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory assisted the family. Share on-line condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.