Rob MacCartney

Rob MacCartney, 65, of Belvidere, Illinois, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.
Rob was born in Virginia to Mary Grey and Ian MacCartney. He was later raised in Pembroke Pines, Florida, where he attended Pembroke Road Baptist Church and Pembroke Christian Academy. His creativity and individuality were evident from an early age. He was also active in Boy Scout Troop 152, where he served as a drummer in the troop’s inaugural drum and bugle corps.
Rob proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1978 to 1988 as a fire controlman, achieving the rank of Petty Officer 1st Class. During his service, he truly traveled the world, experiencing places like Hawaii, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, and Kenya. He was stationed in San Diego, CA and briefly in Yokosuka, Japan. He served aboard the historic USS New Jersey, and the USS Wisconsin and USS Parsons, among others. Known for his persistence and dedication, he played a role in the recommissioning of the USS New Jersey. Later, he served as a technical instructor at Great Lakes Naval Training Center, where his patience and ability to teach complex systems made a lasting impact on others.
Following his military service, Rob continued his career as a technical instructor with Motorola. He later became a member of the inaugural TSA screening team at O'Hare International Airport following 9/11.
Rob was a man of deep faith who loved the Lord and found joy in serving others. He was a devoted member of Calvary Baptist Church, where he served as an audio/visual coordinator, helping livestream services and supporting his church community in many ways.
He was known for his gentle spirit, kindness, and sense of humor. A deeply creative individual, Rob enjoyed woodworking, drawing, painting, and calligraphy. He also had a love for nature and animals, and he expressed his individuality through colorful tie-dyed shirts and his well-known collection of vibrant socks.
Above all, Rob cherished his family. He is survived by his loving wife, Pam MacCartney; his daughters, Holly Malik (Erik) and Jennifer Ocampo (Jose); Billy Hogue; his sister, Gwynne MacCartney (John Bielefeldt); his step-siblings, Kathy (Jeff) Lorenzo, Sherry Klein, and Ronald Markowsky; and his beloved grandchildren, Zoey and Xander Malik. He is also survived by aunts Nancy MacCartney and Audrey Fish and several cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Grey Wisecarver and Ian MacCartney, and his stepmother, Aurelia “Millie” MacCartney.
Rob will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, a man whose creativity, humor, and faith touched the lives of all who knew him. His family takes comfort in knowing he is now at peace in the presence of his Savior.
A Celebration of Life was held at Calvary Baptist Church in Belvidere on February 14, 2026.