Robert Harold Gilroy

Robert "Bob" Harold Gilroy, affectionately known as "Poppy," bid this world adieu on May 22, 2025, in Suffolk, VA, just a day after celebrating his 80th birthday. Born on May 21, 1945, in Sterling, IL, Poppy lived a life filled with laughter, adventure, and a fair bit of mischief.
Bob graduated from Rock Falls High School and then worked in a bowling alley before joining the United States Navy. He dedicated 20 years of service to his country, rising to the rank of Chief Petty Officer before retiring to embrace his role as a devoted grandfather to his beloved granddaughter, Cheyanne White.
After his naval career, Bob applied his mechanical skills as an aircraft mechanic at Norfolk Internation Airport. There he shared many unforgettable moments with his best friend of 25 years, Robert "Bob" Caviness (also known as his partner in crime), with whom he enjoyed talking with on the phone every day, sharing stories, jokes, and many laughs. He also had a longstanding friendship with his boss and friend, Mike Long.
Poppy's passion was his family, especially his granddaughter, Cheyanne White and his great grandkids: Ciara White, Owen White, and Carter Buhler. He also leaves behind: son, Greg Gilroy, who is married with three children; son, Michael Gilroy, who has two children; son, Robert Gilroy; daughter, Carla Moore, who has four children; and daughter Susie Morisett, who has two children. He loved all oh his family with all his heart.
A man of many talents – fearless, stubborn and ever so witty – Poppy could often be found gardening, tinkering away on some new contraption, telling cheeky jokes with his best friend Bob, doing puzzles or watching his favorite shows: NCIS, Chicago PD, The Rifleman, or listening to the good oldies like Elvis and Dean Martin.
In his later years, Poppy found his faith and was baptized alongside Cheyanne, Ciara, Owen, and Carter at Mercy Church. He had profound respect for the pastors, Ray Faircloth Sr. and Ray Faircloth Jr., and though he didn't get to know everyone there he wanted the Mercy Church family to know he loved them all.
Poppy is preceded in death by his parents, Harold Robert Gilroy, and Wilda Mae Miller (Snapp), and his brother, Gerald Lee Gilroy. Robert Harold Gilroy, "Poppy," touched the lives of everyone he met with warmth and unwavering love for his family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you spend a day doing what Poppy loved most: enjoying your time with family, talking to your best friend, living with faith, and spreading love and joy to all.
A celebration of life and rendering of military honors will be held Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at Mercy Church beginning at 7pm. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert, please visit our floral store.