Robert M. Greene

Robert Morrison Greene, 81, passed away following a long illness. Robert was born in Chicago, IL on March 2nd, 1942, the eldest son of Jack and Marian Greene. After growing up in Lombard, IL, Robert attended the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana, where he met his best friend and future wife, Valentina Wojtowicz. After graduation, the couple moved to St. Louis for graduate school at Washington University. Deciding to dedicate his life to service, Robert moved to his wife’s hometown of Rockford, where he worked for the Rockford Public School District as a social worker, helping young children going through difficult times. Continuing with the theme of public service, Robert was an integral part of both John Anderson’s 1980 independent presidential run and Lynn Martin’s successful campaign for the US Congress. At this point, Robert decided the best way to serve his community was through more direct means, and successfully ran for alderman on the Rockford City Council. After more than 30 years working with children as a social worker, and over 20 years in elected office, Robert retired and dedicated the remainder of his life to his family.

Robert enjoyed a variety of pursuits throughout his life, first and foremost among them studying history, first as an undergraduate at U of I, then later as a serious hobbyist. His private library of books numbered in the thousands and was easily one of the largest and most eclectic private collections of books in the stateline area. Passionate about music, Robert maintained a large collection of classical vinyl albums. Finally, Robert loved to laugh. Never one for needless solemnity, he loved to make his children and friends groan and laugh with his considerable talent for wordplay and puns.

Despite Robert’s many interests and responsibilities throughout his life (educator, public servant, history buff, music lover, numismatist) nothing was more important to Robert than his family. He and his wife Valentina celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary earlier this year. As a father to three children (a daughter and two sons), he always made sure he spent time with them, supported them, and made sure they always knew they were loved. Even with free time at a premium, Robert always attended his children’s games, recitals, and other activities, often volunteering.

The last few years of Robert’s life were complicated by various health conditions, but Robert bore it all with his usual grace and good humor, even as his health and mobility declined. Robert finally succumbed to his illnesses this past week, and God called him home to His kingdom on Friday, November 24th. He is survived by his wife Valentina, brother Gordon (Pricilla) Greene, daughter Barbara, sons Jack and Robbie, and Robbie’s wife Brianna.

A visitation will be held on Friday, December 1st, 2023 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Road, Rockford, IL, 61108. A funeral Mass will be held Saturday, December 2nd at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church, 4401 Highcrest Road, Rockford, IL, 61107. Burial to follow at Greenwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of the donors choice. To send online condolences and share memories, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com.