Robert James Gildea Sr.

1926 - 2021

Robert James Gildea Sr.
Columbia, SC - Robert James Gildea Sr. passed away peacefully on April 18, 2021 at his Harmony Senior Living residence in Columbia, SC where he had resided almost three years. He had formerly lived in Ocala, Fl. for 18 years. He was born to Lionel and Irene Gildea in Ft. Wayne, Indiana March 13, 1926. He grew up in Indiana and Davenport, Iowa.
He spent one semester at the University of Iowa where he played on both the basketball and baseball teams. He left school at age 19 to enlist in the Marine Corps,and, subsequently served his first tour in the Pacific Theatre. Post WWII he enrolled at Augustana College in Rock Island, ILL. and became a two sport standout in basketball and football, earning MVP honors in both sports. He graduated from "Augie" in 1949 then re-enlisted in the Marines in 1950, this tour serving in the Korean War. On his return from duty he attended University of Louisville and earned an MBA degree.
Following his military tours, he had a long successful career with International Harvester-Farmall Company both in Rock Island, ILL. and in other plants in the south. He retired briefly in 1978 from the Memphis, Tn. plant, only to begin a new career with Tube- Lok machinery in Mattoon, ILL. shortly thereafter.
While residing in the Quad-City area, he served as Vice- President of the local United Way Chapter, as well as vice chairman of the board at Franciscan Hospital. Around this time he obtained a US patent for IH for preserving combustion engine corrosion during storage.
He is survived by his son, Robert James Gildea Jr( Rachael) of Franklin, Tn. daughter Lari Chillag(Kim) of Columbia, SC, 5 grandchildren, Zachary, Jeffrey (Sanela), and Hannah Chillag of Charlotte, NC.and Emily Gildea and Jeremy Creech of Franklin, Tn., and great -grand Luke Alexander Chillag of Charlotte. He was predeceased by his wife, Treva Butler Gildea in 2013 ,and his beloved sister Dorothy Gildea Cunnick in 2018.
He will be interred in the Rock Island Arsenal National Cemetery at a later date and a Veteran's Committal service will be conducted at that time. Memorials can be made to the United Way of the Midlands( Columbia, SC) or to the Disabled American Veterans, in his name if so desired.
Special thanks to all of the caring employees at Harmony Senior Center in Columbia, SC for the loving care he received in his waning years.