J. Robert Carlson

J. ROBERT 'BOB' CARLSON, 86 BELVIDERE - J. Robert "Bob" Carlson, 86, of Belvidere died Monday, June 6, 2011, in his home. Born May 11, 1925, in Rockford, son of Joseph and Annie Anderson Carlson. Graduate of East High School. Married Mary Colette Corcoran on April 15, 1945, in Rockford. He was employed by Mautz Paints (Sherwin Williams) for many years. Member of St. James Catholic Church in Belvidere, and a former active member of St. Rita Catholic Church in Rockford for more than 50 years where he had been a longtime usher. Bob has been very active in the Cherry Valley community for many years. He was on the Cherry Valley School Board for a lengthy time, the Cherry Valley Zoning Board of Appeals for more than 40 years and a Cherry Valley Fire Protection District trustee. He was honored for his dedicated community involvement by being named "Cherry Valley Citizen of the Year" in 1996. Bob was an avid Chicago Bears and Cubs fan and enjoyed antique cars. He always kept an impeccable lawn and enjoyed his outside work. He was a very outgoing person who loved visiting with people, but his greatest love was his family, especially his grandchildren. Survivors include daughters, Jan Simone, Diane Wolff, Bobbi (Gary) Scalora and Peggy Kaczmarek; grandchildren, Mike (Michelle) Simone, Nicholas Wolff, Brian Scalora, Cathy Scalora, Liz Kaczmarek and Lauren Kaczmarek; great-grandchildren, Isaac and Aidan Simone; sister, Joan O'Rourke; nieces, Kris (Stuart) Cohn, Karin (John) Janick; and several cousins. Predeceased by his wife, Colette, on Jan. 20, 2010; and his parents. The family would like to extend a special thank-you to Chuck for the care and companionship that he gave to Bob. Mass of Christian Burial at noon Saturday, June 11, at St. James Catholic Church, Belvidere, with the Rev. Brian Geary officiating. A time of visitation and lunch will follow. Private burial in St. Mary/St. James Cemetery, Rockford. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Carpenter's Place, 1149 Railroad Ave., Rockford, IL 61104. The family was assisted by Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Road. Express condolences and share memories at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.