Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Robert Pillion Obituary
Born: April 17, 1942 in Ottawa, IL
Died: August 25, 2023 in Ottawa, IL
Robert J. Pillion, 81, of Ottawa, passed away Friday, August 25, 2023 at his home.
Visitation will be Wednesday, August 30, from 4:00 until 7:00pm at Ottawa Funeral Home. A fire department walk through will take place at 4:30 pm and Knights of Columbus service at 7:00pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Thursday, August 31, at 10:30am at St. Columba Church, with Msgr. Mark Merdian officiating. Burial will follow in St. Columba Cemetery.
Bob was born April 17, 1942, in Ottawa, IL, to Michael and Bertha (Day) Pillion. He married Gayle Redlich on January 23, 1965 at St. Patrick's Church in Ottawa. She passed away October 26, 2020.
He was a graduate of Marquette High School and later attended Northern Illinois University. He joined the Ottawa Fire Department on March 14, 1966. He went on to serve the citizens of Ottawa for 33 years. He retired after 15 years as chief on May 4, 1999. Family was everything to him. He enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren grow up and always attended their sporting events. For many years he traveled with Gayle to Florida where he made many friends and memories. In his free time, he enjoyed fishing, golfing at the Earlville Country Club, and sipping a glass of wine with friends and family. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus 4th Degree and St. Columba Church.
He is survived by his children, Robert (Anne) Pillion, Jr., Laurie (Joe Cook) Pillion, and Michael (Jennifer) Pillion; his five grandchildren, Jack, Kate, Tess, Lauren, and Brendan; and his sister, Mary Ellen (Michael) Newton. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 55 years, Gayle Pillion; and his brother Michael "Micky" Pillion.
Pallbearers will be Robert, Michael, Jack, and Brendan Pillion, Michael and Kevin Newton, Joe Cook, and John Liebhart.
Honorary pallbearers will be the Ottawa Fire Department Retirees.
Memorials may be directed to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
The online guest book may be viewed and remembrances shared at www.ottawafuneralhome.com
Ottawa Funeral Home & Crematory
1111 LaSalle St, Ottawa Illinois 61350
815-433-0300
www.ottawafuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Pillion
Sponsored by Ottawa Funeral Home and Crematory.
2 Entries
The Staff of Ottawa Funeral Home
August 30, 2023
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Judy Newbury
August 28, 2023
My sincere sympathy to Bob´s family. Bob was a great guy and a great Fire Chief for the City of Ottawa. I´m sure he is happy to be back with Gayle but will be missed by many. RIP Bob.
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results
Make a Donation
in Robert Pillion's name
Memorial Events
for Robert Pillion
How to support Robert's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Robert Pillion's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
