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Robert Snell Obituary
Robert Scott "Bob" Snell, 73, passed away peacefully in his home in Palm Desert, California on March 24, 2025.
Bob was born in Chicago - to his parents Robert and Joan - and was raised in Hillside with his siblings, Carol, Rick, and Karen. He graduated from Northern Illinois University with a degree in history. After a brief teaching career, Bob transitioned to the automative industry where he spent over 45 years running operations teams for automative groups in the western suburbs of Chicago. He found great satisfaction in the problem solving and process improvement work his career afforded him.
Bob found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He was an avid golfer, a lover of fine wine, a keen puzzle-solver, and a lifelong fan of classic rock (rarely missing the chance to see his favorite bands live in concert).
Above all, Bob was a family man. He found his fullest purpose as a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His love for his family was unwavering.
He is survived by his children, David (Jodie), Robert (Jamie), Katie, and Liz (Cyrus); his grandchildren, Zach, Emma, Chloe, Wyatt, Caleb, and Charlie; and his great-grandchildren, Ada, Melissa, Caroline, and James.
A celebration of Bob’s life will be held on Thursday, June 5th, from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM at the Lake Ellyn Boathouse, located at 645 Lenox Road, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137. Family and friends are invited to join in remembering and honoring a life well lived.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Snell
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Judy and AL Smith
May 29, 2025
Never a time with Robert that he didn't make you feel good and have a beautiful smile. He was part of our bocci group. Rest in peace Robert. Judy and AL Smith
Gary & Susie Walters
May 22, 2025
GarY & Susan Walters
May 22, 2025
We were heartbroken to learn of the passing of our friend Robert.
Robert was just one of the eight of us. Not only did we all play together on a bocce ball league,
but we did so many other things together. We socialized regularly, celebrated holidays & birthday and field trips to see the lights at the zoo. He was a big part of our group. The memories that we have of Robert will be cherished forever.
Personally, I got to witness tremendous acts of kindness from Robert. It is a testament to his character that made such a lasting impact on so many lives, including my own.
I have attached a few pictures of us together. We miss our buddy.
Mike Rankin
May 21, 2025
I will really miss Bob! I feel lucky that I got to play golf, go to dinner, drink wine, and have lots of great conversations with him.
Bob was a genuinely good person that always wanted his friends to have a good time.
He was part of what Susan and I love about Palm Springs. RIP Bob!
Steve Bader
May 20, 2025
Bob hosted me for many years for the BS in PS, either at his condo or at his home. We would spend each evening on his deck or patio discussing our problems: finding a reasonably priced pinot noir, doctors, our golf game, California politics and other weighty issues. And then we'd have a shot of tequila and everything would be right in the world. I'll miss him a lot.
Steve Colson
May 19, 2025
Bob was closer to a brother to Ed and I than a brother in law. We had so much fun in Chicago at our great friend Charlie Menghini's annual fundraising golf tournament....That eventually led to a bunch of us exiting the miserable midwest winter for a few days every year to go to the greatest golf destination on the planet- Palm Springs. It would be a gross understatement to say there was WAY too much fun while we were there....36 holes of golf a day, a few too many cocktails at night, then repeat it all over the next day...the event took on the name of the BS in PS, and believe me, there was plenty of that! For the 8 of us that piled into a rental van to head to the Ontario airport at the end of one of our trips is where the enduring legend of Bob Snell unfolded...Sharing some family stories over the years, Bob unknowingly gave all of us the greatest, funniest hour together that we have ever known...his perfect delivery of the stories is still legend to those of us who were there....Bob, thanks for all the great times....you will be missed but never forgotten...Steve
Dee Eckman
May 19, 2025
My prayers to the family. Robert will always remember our fun bocce group, your laugh and all the good times. God speed and heaven got another golfing angel.
Steve Colson
May 19, 2025
Ed and I consider Bob more of a brother than an in law. Getting to know Bob was a result of playing in a golf tournament every summer in Chicago that supported our great friend Charlie Menghini. As a result, we organized an annual February trip to Palm Springs with a bunch of great friends. Needless to say, when a bunch of guys land in the greatest golf destination there is, many lifetime memories were made in just a few days. The event soon was tagged the BS in PS....and believe me, there was plenty of BS...... One memory of Bob stands above all others of our GREAT years in the desert. We were headed back to Ontario for our flights back home after 4 days of ridiculous fun. The rental van was packed with all of us who were too cheap to rent another vehicle. Bob unexpectedly provided us with some family memories that he shared that he had no intention of them being funny...the end result was the GREATEST one hour car ride that any of us have ever had. Bob, we still talk about it today, some 15 years later! Brother, you will be missed but not forgotten. Steve
Ed Colson
May 19, 2025
Bob, was a great friend for over 20 years. I have many memories of golf, dinners and just enjoying each other´s company. I feel like I´ve lost a brother. You will be missed!
Charlie Menghini
May 19, 2025
Bob was a dear friend. We always enjoyed his company, and Charlie enjoyed many rounds of golf with his buddy. Going to dinner with Bob was always a fun event complete with a great glass of wine.
Bob was also a great supporter of Charlie´s events at VanderCook College of Music, playing in the annual TrusTee Open Golf Benefit where he bought lots of raffle tickets and seemed to win all the great prizes, and their Night at the Pops Scholarship Concert.
Bob was a generous and supportive friend. He is missed and we pray that he is being held in God´s arms and celebrated for a life well-lived. Rest well, Bob. Thanks for making the world a better place.
Charlie Menghini
May 19, 2025
Bob was a dear friend. We always enjoyed Bob´s company. Charlie enjoyed the rounds of golf they shared and going to dinner was always a good time, complete with a wonderful glass of wine.
Bob was also a great supporter of Charlie´s events at VanderCook College of Music, participating in his annual golf benefit - where Bob bought the most raffle tickets and won the best prizes, as well as supporting the annual Night at the Pops.
Bob is missed and we pray that he is resting in peace in the hands of God.
Charlie and Wanda Menghini
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