Robert J. "Bob" Difederico

GENEVA - Robert (Bob) J. DiFederico, age 81, of Chillicothe, IL, passed away on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, IL.

Bob was born on February 25, 1944, in Geneva, N.Y. to Samuel and Teresa (Davoli) DiFederico.

Surviving are his son, Samuel (Kate) DiFederico of Donnellson, IA; his grandsons, Owen DiFederico of Burlington, IA and Callahan DiFederico of Donnellson, IA; his sister, Ursula DiDuro of Geneva, N.Y.; two nephews, Michael (Brenda) DiDuro of East Amherst, N.Y. and Robert DiDuro of Geneva, N.Y.; one niece, Rosanne (late Michael) Brown of Geneva, N.Y.; and several great-nephews, great-nieces and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother-in-law, Oswald DiDuro of Geneva, N.Y.

Bob graduated from Bradley University in 1966 and was an engineer for Caterpillar in Peoria for 20 years. After leaving Caterpillar in 1986, he then worked for Mitsubishi/Diamond Star until his retirement in 1999. Turning wrenches was Bob's thing, not only at work, but out in the garage working on his cars. He was especially fond of many classic Ford cars and various British sports cars. Bob lived most of his adult life in Chillicothe and frequently traveled back to Geneva for holidays and summer vacations, often bringing his son Sam, his boat, motorcycles, dogs and favorite tools.

Cremation rites will be accorded and a memorial visitation will be held on Friday, January 23, 2026 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Weber-Hurd Funeral Home in Chillicothe. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Stephen's Catholic Church in Geneva at a later date. Entombment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery Mausoleum in Geneva. Arrangements are under the care of Weber-Hurd Funeral Home in Chillicothe.