Robert J. Gildea Sr.

1926 - 2021

Robert J. Gildea Sr

March 13, 1926-April 18, 2021

Robert J. Gildea Sr, 95, formerly of Davenport, IA and Rock Island, IL passed away peacefully on April 18, 2021 at his Harmony Senior Living residence in Columbia, SC where he had resided almost three years. A private burial with military honors will be held at a later date at the Rock Island Arsenal National Cemetery. There will be no public visitation or service.

Robert James Gildea was born in Ft. Wayne, IN on March 13, 1926, the son of Lionel and Irene (Boegel) Gildea. He spent the early part of his formative years in Ft. Wayne moving to Davenport in 1939. After graduating from Davenport High School he spent one semester at the University of Iowa where he played on both the basketball and baseball teams. He left school at age 18 to enlist in the United States Marine Corps, and, subsequently served his first tour of duty in the Pacific Theatre. Post WWII he enrolled at Augustana College in Rock Island, IL 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 during Korean Conflict. Following his military obligations he attended the University of Louisville and earned his MBA in Business Administration. He subsequently had a long and successful career with the International Harvester-Farmall Company in both Rock Island and Moline, IL as well as other in other plants in the south. He retired briefly in 1978 from the Memphis, TN plant, only to begin a new career as plant manager with Tube-Lok Inc. in Mattoon, IL. 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 I-H for preventing combustion engine corrosion during storage. Following his retirement he moved to Ocala, FL where he enjoyed playing golf, working in his yard and, socializing with his senior neighbors.

He is survived by - his Son: Robert (Rachel) Gildea Jr of Franklin, TN; a Daughter: Lari (Kim) Chillag of Columbia, SC; 5 grandchildren: Zachary Chillag, Jeffrey (Sanela) Chillag, and Hannah Chillag all of Charlotte, NC, and Emily Gildea and Jeremy Creech both of Franklin, TN; and a Great-grandson: Luke Alexander Chillag of Charlotte.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, Treva Gildea in 2013, and his beloved sister Dorothy Gildea Cunnick in 2018.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the United Way of the Midlands (Columbia, SC) or to the Disabled American Veterans, in his name.

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.

Online memories and condolences may be left to the family at Cunnick-Collins.com.