Robert T. Williams

Robert T. Williams, 88, passed away on February 20, 2018, at home with family, following a private battle with cancer. He was a loving and loved husband, brother, father, father-in-law, grandfather, and uncle. He was born April 25, 1929 at Franklin Park Hospital in Chicago, Illinois to Welsh emigrant parents, Robert T. and Margaret (nee Thomas) Williams. He was married for 46 years to Jane (nee Williams) until her death in 1999. They were long time members of the Hebron Welsh Presbyterian Church in Chicago, First Presbyterian Church of Homewood, and Westminster Presbyterian Church in Rockford. Robert, to his family, and Bob, to his friends, was a golfing letterman at York High School in Elmhurst, Illinois and a golfing letterman at Elmhurst College, in Elmhurst Illinois, graduating in 1951. He was a true zero handicap. He helped his parents and put himself through college by working together with his brother at Butterfield Country Club in Oak Brook, first as a caddy, then as a locker room attendant, and finally as a jack of all trades, including bar tending, catering, and party coordinator. He was employed at Commonwealth Edison for 38 years in the Industrial Relations Department, in Chicago, Harvey, and Glen Ellyn, Illinois. He retired in 1992 as the Industrial Relations Manager of the Rock River Division, headquartered in Rockford. In retirement, he was a driver for the Rockford Auto Auction and a Ranger at the Aldeen Golf course in Rockford, but always found time for a round of golf with friends.

He and Jane raised their family in Bellwood, Homewood, and Rockford, Illinois. Bob was a Little League Manager, a church Deacon, a Sunday school teacher, a church usher, and the last president of the American Order of True Ivorite Madoc (Welsh) Lodge. He enjoyed singing at local and national Gymanfa Ganus (Welsh Singing Festivals), was active in the Cambrian Benevolent Society of Chicago, and traveled often to visit family and friends throughout the United States and Wales. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, his sister-in-law (Peggy), and a daughter-in-law (Cheryl). He is survived by his twin brother John of Rockford, IL, his son Robert of Homewood, IL, his son Richard (Sharon) of Peoria, AZ (formerly of Rockford), and his daughter Laura Marshall (Paul) of Missoula, MT. He leaves behind a legacy of experiences, stories, and laughter with eight Grandchildren, Chris (Oriane), Mark, Jeff, Ryan (Grace), Rachel, Hannah, Lauren, and Faith Marshall. They were his true joy and took every opportunity to participate in their activities. He would drive hours or fly miles just to share in their experiences. He relished in “holding court,” discussing their adventures, accomplishments, and challenges, enjoying their growth to successful professionals and adults. He also leaves three beloved nephews and a beloved niece, along with their spouses and their eight children.

He embraced every day of life and touched the lives of many. His family, friends, co-workers, employees, and golf were his passions. He took pride in his Welsh heritage. He enjoyed traveling to Wales and learning about his Welsh heritage from his “Old Country” cousins and friends. He was a sounding board, counselor, mentor, and role model. His sense of humor and storytelling is already bringing smiles to those in Heaven.

A Visitation will be held from 9:30 am to 11:00 am on Monday, February 26, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 am at Fitzgerald and Associates Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Mulford Chapel, located at 1860 S. Mulford Road in Rockford. Interment will follow at 2:00 pm in the Masonic Garden section of Chapel Hill Gardens, located at Roosevelt Road and Route 83 in Elmhurst, Illinois.

The family would like to thank Mercyhealth at Home Hospice, and specifically Mary Taylor, for their caring and passionate support. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the American Cancer Society. To share memories or condolences, visit fitzgeraldfh.com.