Robert Svendsen II

1947 - 2014

Mr. Robert W. Svendsen, II aka "Papa" was a family man, longtime Chicagoland business leader, war veteran and supporter of numerous community causes in the Western Suburbs. Robb was born in Oak Park, on February 13, 1947 and attended Hinsdale Central High School. In June 1973, he graduated with a degree in business administration from Monmouth College, Monmouth, Ill. He was a proud member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, where he epitomized "A True Gentleman". Robb was a U.S. Navy combat veteran of the Vietnam conflict, having served in the Riverine Squadron on the Mekong River Delta. He was a life member of VFW Post Number 15014 (Illinois Member at Large) and Post Number 4194 (Stuart, Florida). Robb was a senior executive at Broadview-based Chase Products Company, a leading private aerosol products and packaging company, for more than 32 years. He served as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer until he retired in 2009. He also served on numerous corporate boards during his tenure. He was a member of YPO/WPO. A longtime Hinsdale resident, Robb was known for his gregarious personality, generosity and quick wit. He was a founder of the Hinsdale Youth Center, and served as president of the Hinsdale Central High School Football Club. As a golf enthusiast, Robb volunteered as a marshal for multiple Professional Golf Association (PGA) events. Above all, Robb devoted the joys of his life to his wife, children, grandchildren, family & friends. As Johnny Musso, one of his best friends recently said: "Robb was a person with intense passions that could not be contained. He had a strong love for our country, for his many friendships and for the Crimson Tide, Chicago White Sox, Hinsdale Red Devils, and many other favorite sports teams. His greatest passion however was his family. Robb cherished his two children, adored his grandchildren and never wavered from his first and greatest love, his dear wife Debbie. We all already miss him terribly." Robb, 67, died after a battle with cancer, in Hinsdale, on July 19, 2014 surrounded by friends and family. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Debbie, nee Swanson; his son Robert W. Svendsen III (Kimley), Amy E. Waldron (Thomas), his grandchildren Parker Primavera, Layla and Alice Svendsen, and Tommy, Molly, and Nora Waldron; his brothers Ron (Mary) Svendsen, Randy (Beth) Svendsen, and brother-in-laws Steve (Barbara) Swanson, Sam (Cindi) Swanson; and his many loving nieces and nephews. Private services will be held for family. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in memory of Robert Svendsen II at the University of Chicago Medicine. Checks may be made payable to the "University of Chicago Medicine" and sent to the following address: University of Chicago Gift and Record Services, Robert Svendsen II Memorial - Liu research, 5235 S. Harper Court, Chicago, IL 60615. For Information-Adolf Funeral Home-Willowbrook (630)325-2300