Robert "Rob" Imperial

Robert "Rob" Joseph Imperial of Buffalo Grove, IL was born on July 23,1956 and passed away on August 25, 2025. Rob was a deeply sentimental, thoughtful and loyal husband, father, grandfather, father-in-law, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, and cousin. The family he cherished and was so deeply proud of includes his wife of 45 years Sherri (Benedict) Imperial, his daughter Gina (Imperial) Mulvey (Kevin), son Daniel Imperial (Julia), and his grandchildren Declan and Porter Mulvey, and Charlotte Imperial, as well as his brother Peter (Susan) Imperial, sister Susan (Imperial), brother-in-law Scott (Julie) Benedict, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and cousins. He was the first son of Albert Imperial and Jo Anne (Casey) Imperial and grew up in San Francisco. He attended St. Brendan Parish School for elementary education, and St. Ignatius College Preparatory for High School where he was an accomplished student and athlete in baseball and basketball. His education continued at University of California, Berkely, followed by San Diego State University for graduate school where he met Sherri. In 1988, a job promotion relocated the couple to Buffalo Grove. An anticipated "few years" in Illinois evolved into putting down and expanding roots for the past 37 years in Chicagoland. Rob dedicated 26 years of his career to Jim Beam Brands, later shared his expertise with Stoller Imports, and proudly capped his professional journey at Agave Loco, where he helped introduce the world to RumChata. He was an involved parishioner and frequent donor to Saint Mary Parish in Buffalo Grove and embraced and loved the Christmas season and holiday traditions. Rob was a dedicated and wise father to his two children, always putting them first. When he was blessed with his three grandchildren it was obvious how much he adored them and enjoyed being their Nonno. Throughout his adult life he was a dependable blood donor and during retirement became a fulfilled volunteer for Habitat for Humanity and took up pickleball with energy and delight. Rob was a passionate sports enthusiast and lifelong fan of the San Francisco Giants and 49ers, Golden State Warriors, and Cal Bears. He was a human encyclopedia regarding sports and classic rock knowledge, as well as a mastermind with numbers. Rob cherished and respected his family and incredible circle of friends both near and far. He emphasized that taking care of family and those close to you were the most important things in life and did so unconditionally.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 17th from 3:00 – 8:00 PM at Kolssak Funeral Home 189 S Milwaukee Avenue, Wheeling, IL. A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, September 18th at 11:00 AM at Saint Mary Parish 10 N Buffalo Grove Rd, Buffalo Grove, IL.
Donations in honor of Rob Imperial can be made to the American Cancer Society and Habitat for Humanity.