Robert Allen Hanlon Jr

Robert Allen Hanlon Jr. passed away unexpectedly at Mercy Medical Center, November 7th,
2025 at the age of 65. Bob was born December 26th, 1959 in Aurora Illinois, to the late Joy Ann
(Quigley) Hanlon and Robert Allen Hanlon Sr.
Bob was a loving father, grandfather, brother and uncle. He is survived by his daughters Megan
(Hanlon) Gamboa and Nicole Hanlon; siblings Monica (Hanlon) Jennings and James Hanlon;
nieces Julia and Lauren Jennings; grandsons Isaiah and Gabriel Gamboa and many cousins
and friends who will miss his bright spirit.
Bob was a lifelong part of the Aurora and Fox Valley community. As a child he'd spend
afternoons at his grandparents' home and business, the Hanlon Button Co. in Batavia Il. He
emphasized the importance of family to his daughters and would insist on Sunday afternoon
dinners with his own parents. Bob remained close with his two siblings throughout his life. A
cherished nickname that many knew him by, "Buzz" or "Buzzy", stemmed from his older sister
Monica's attempts to say "little brother" and introducing him as her little "buzzer."
In high school and college, Bob played soccer and had a true love of the game. He played
soccer at Hinkley-Big Rock High School from 1974-1978. He was a member of the Aurora
Kickers Football Club and played for Aurora University in 1979 until he broke his nose in a car
accident and could no longer play the game. He greatly enjoyed cheering for his daughters
during their soccer games. Bob was thrilled when his grandsons also started to play and he
could rejoin the cheering section.
Bob graduated Cum Laude from Southern Illinois University Carbondale in 1982 with a
bachelor degree in business. He started his career as an Estimator for Anderson Windows, 84
Lumber, and F.E. Wheaton. He held various roles throughout his career such as Vice President,
Foreman at Reinhart Construction, Sales and Kitchen Designer at Home Depot, and over a
decade with his own business Bob's Handyman Services. Regardless of the role, his career
was centered around people's homes; building, repairs, and renovations. There are dozens of
homes, apartment complexes, and residences in the area that have been impacted by Bob's
work.
In 1992, Bob welcomed his first daughter, Megan. Bob married Megan's mother Catherine
(Frerich) Brolley in February 1993. Their family grew again in 1994 with the addition of their
second daughter Nicole. Despite divorcing shortly after, Bob remained an active part of his
daughters' lives from the beginning to the end. Some of his greatest joys came from his two
daughters. In 2017 and 2018 that joy grew with the addition of his two grandsons, Isaiah and
Gabriel, born to his eldest daughter and he became "Pop Pop". Bob loved spending time with
his grandsons. In a recent fishing trip he confided his happiness that his "legacy lives on in
those boys".
Bob devoted his life to his family and friends. Those who knew Bob will remember him for his
infectious positivity especially in difficult times. He will be remembered for his love and
unwavering support, always ready to lend a hand or share a laugh. A genuinely good man, he
knew how to make the best of a bad situation and wouldn't hesitate to help. Bob will be missed
by many.
A Visitation will be held at The Daleiden Mortuary (220 N. Lake St. Aurora, IL 60506) from 11am-1pm on Saturday, November 22nd. Bob will be laid to rest next to his beloved parents at St. Paul's Lutheran Cemetery.
A Celebration of Life will follow from 5-8pm at Hometown Lanes in Plano (209 W Main St, Plano, IL 60545). Bob was an avid bowler and had a tradition of celebrating his birthday here with family every year for the last decade. His family will be celebrating him again with open bowling, pizza, and good memories.
Please consider making a donation to your local food pantry or animal shelter in Bob's honor.
"Put in a good word for me with the Big Man!" -Robert Hanlon