Robert Lawrence Gould

Robert Lawrence Gould, 92, of Chicago, Illinois, passed away October 8, 2024, after a brief illness.
Born February 10, 1932, son of the late Mary (Gould) Sonnicksen and the late George Gould. Beloved husband of his cherished wife of 72 years, Arlene (Einz), dear father of Dr. Cathleen Gould (Richard Hutt), Michael Gould, Robert Gould (Dr. Karen Catching), Suzanne Gould (James Dougherty), Patrice (Richard) Padilla, and Jennifer (Raymond) Janowski. He is preceded in death by his treasured children, Cynthia Gould and Stephen Gould (Rhonda O'Gorman), stepfather Chris Sonnicksen, brother George Gould and sister Carol Gould. Bob was also held dear by sister-in-law Yvonne (Einz) Castellanet and nephew Jeff Nabicht.
Bob loved, and was loved by, his grandchildren: Dr. Brian (Erin) Compton, Eric Gould, Kevin Gould, Gemma Gould-Dougherty, Mireille Padilla, Ava Padilla, Frederick Janowski, Matthew Schuch, Catherine Schuch, Everett O'Gorman, the late Elizabeth Adair O'Gorman, Dante Rust, and Caleb Catching.
He was blessed with three great-grandchildren: Ciarán Compton, Rowan Compton, and Cillian Compton.
Bob and Arlene met at age 14, when he would carry both of their accordions home after music classes. After their marriage on March 7, 1952, Bob sent many love letters to his new wife from Okinawa, Japan, where he was stationed during the Korean War.
A graduate of Lane Technical High School, Bob spent over thirty years working as a union lithographer and taught at the school of the Graphic Communications International Union to help others learn the trade of printing. As a devout Catholic, he spent many years as a parishioner and volunteered as an usher at St. Norbert Parish in Northbrook, Illinois, where the family resided together. In mid-life, Bob took up flying as a hobby, which he enjoyed immensely. He volunteered for the Illinois Wing of the Civil Air Patrol and enjoyed assisting in the training of many cadets. It was a great honor for him to receive the Gill Robb Wilson Training Award in July 2024.
Bob was proud of his Chicago Irish heritage and touched the lives of many people with his warmth and wit. He loved being with people and was happiest in the company of family and friends. He always had a joke to tell and loved laughter. He was truly a son of the City of the Big Shoulders. Bob's baritone voice, his strength of character, and his generosity of spirit will be dearly missed.
Called home to Christ, October 8, 2024.
Visitation will be held Monday, October 14 from 11:30 am until time of the Mass at 12:30 pm at St. Norbert & Our Lady of the Brook Parish, 1809 Walters Ave., Northbrook. Live Stream Link. Interment will be private, at All Saints Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Illinois Wing of the Civil Air Patrol, Ways to Give | Illinois Wing Civil Air Patrol (gocivilairpatrol.org).