Robert D Whitfield

Robert D. Whitfield, born on December 10, 1943 in Chicago,  was the second son born to John C. Whitfield, Sr. and Rosa Whitfield.  He was raised on the south side of Chicago, not far from the Robert Taylor Homes housing project that he would later oversee.

Robert excelled in school at Horner elementary and Hyde Park high school in Chicago.  Following high school, he obtained a bachelor’s and master's degree in mathematics at what is now the University of Illinois Chicago.

Since he was certain to be drafted, Robert volunteered for the United States Marine Corps.  Robert chose the Marines because he liked their dress uniforms. He served as a radio operator/patrol from May, 1964 to May 1967 and was deployed for two years in Viet Nam.  

After deciding on a career as an attorney, Robert began his legal studies at Northwestern University School of Law in 1974, a few months after his marriage to Barbara Elaine Leighton.  He graduated and passed the bar exam attending classes during the day while working full-time at night as a supervisor for the Federal Protective Services.

One of the enduring qualities of Robert’s legal career was his assistance to others in whatever way he could to help make their life a bit easier.

He served as an attorney with the Housing and Urban Development agency for several years.  Later, he became the Chief Legal Counsel for the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA).  

Robert’s commitment to the residents of the CHA continued after he retired from the agency.  For several years, he represented public housing residents’ advisory councils fighting for residents to have a voice on replacement public housing for Robert Taylor Homes, Carbrini Green, Ida B. Wells and other public housing developments.  

In private practice, Robert represented several women postal workers alleging sexual harassment at the United States Postal facilities.  He also represented Black Lung claimants and their families in Arkansas, Alabama and other southern states.

In his later years, Robert developed a passion for military history, especially the military careers and accomplishments of women and minorities in the armed forces.  Even as his illness progressed, he never stopped reading and commenting on how much more there was to learn.

Robert is survived by his son, John and his partner K. Giddings, grandchildren Archer Whitfield and Zadie Giddings, brothers John Jr. and Michael, and his sister, Wenona.  He is also survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews, other family members, and a host of friends and acquaintances.  

Robert's family extends special gratitude for the support he received through the cancer support group leaders and participants sponsored by the Hines Veterans Administration hospital and to Robert’s many doctors and nurses that cared for him throughout his illness.