Robert C. Williams

1933 - 2023

1933-2023

Robert C. Williams, 89, of Aurora went peacefully home to heaven, surrounded by his kids on February 20, 2023 and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Bob married the love of his life, Norma, on November 12, 1955, spending 66 wonderful, fun-filled years together until her passing in December of 2021. He was a life-long Aurora resident, with many happy childhood memories of living on Pigeon Hill and attending St. Joseph grade school. Bob was a parishioner and usher at Annunciation Church and a long-time member of the Phoenix Club and the Turner's Club. He was a proud East Aurora HS Tomcat, class of '52, a member of the EAHS Old Timer's Club, and the final touchdown of his life was becoming a 2022 inductee into the East Aurora HS Sports Hall of Fame. He was a stand-out in Track & Field and Football. His love of football continued after high school as he played semi-pro football with the Aurora Clippers, and then later in life, when he shared that love with many of Aurora's youth as a 30-year coach for the Catholic grade schools, A.C.C. and East Aurora HS. Bob was also an inaugural Board Member of the Aurora Superstars Youth Football League.

He was drafted into the Army in '53 and served proudly during the Korean War as a paratrooper in the 11th Airborne Division. In his young adult years, he was a part-time mason with his dad, Cliff Williams and Son and went on to work at All-Steel Mfg., retiring after 30 years of service. In retirement, he kept busy with other jobs which he enjoyed especially for the City of Aurora at the Fox Valley Country Club GC as a course ranger. Bob was an avid golfer, carding a hole-in-one and was a five-time "Cow" Sucks Golf Tournament champion (tournament of his namesake, he was the Cow!). Bob and Norma cherished their special large group of life-time friends and went on numerous story-filled cruise, golf, and Vegas trips together. Bob enjoyed many years fishing in Minnesota with the Okerblads and Millers, and the many trips to the Upper Peninsula Michigan with family, making a lifetime of special memories.

Bob is survived by his daughter Sandy (Mike) Murphy; son Mike Williams; daughter Lisa (Scott) Roscoe and son Jerry Williams. He adored his grandchildren Megan (Tom) Curry, Todd (Rachel) Murphy, Mallory (Scott) Franzen, Chad (Lauren) Roscoe, and his nine great-grandchildren ("the punks") with one on the way, that brought him so much joy.

Bob is also survived by his sister, Nancy Schopp; sisters-in-law, Nancy McElyea and Lenore (Bob) Edlund; brother-in-law, Jim (Judy) Chione and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Norma; his parents, Cliff and Bernice Williams; father- and mother-in-law, Dominic and Marie Chione; and brothers-in-law Wayne Schopp and Ralph McElyea.

Visitation will be held at Dieterle Memorial Home in Montgomery, IL, from 2:00 to 7:00 pm on Thursday, February 23, 2023. A funeral mass will be held at Annunciation BVM Church in Aurora, IL at 11:00 am on Friday, February 24, 2023 officiated by Rev. Patrick Gillmeyer, OSB, followed by interment at Marywood Cemetery.

The family would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to the nursing and CNA staff of Bright Oaks of Aurora for the compassion and care they provided dad this past year. Not only did they care for our dad, they also became his and our friends. Also, a special thank you to Vitas Hospice caregivers who provided comfort to Dad in his last days and to our family as well.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the family to be divided to Bob's special charities in his name. (Honor Flight Chicago, Take a Vet Fishing, EAHS Old Timer's Club, ACEF, Annunciation Church and others). We will work together to coordinate these donations.

For directions and online guestbook visit www.dieterlememorialhome.com