Robert J. McGuire

Robert (Bob) Joseph McGuire of Rockford, Illinois, passed away on the morning of February 23, 2026, at the age of 88.

Bob was born on October 24, 1937, to Francis and Jeanette McGuire in Galena, Illinois. Bob graduated from Galena High School and Rock Valley College. In 1955, at age 17, Bob enlisted in the Navy and served on the USS Taconic. After proudly serving his country, Bob worked for Eclipse for over 30 years in various management positions.

Bob married his sweetheart, Mary Mangardi, on November 14, 1959. Mary and Bob raised three children: Michael, Kathleen, and Marianne. The foundation Bob and Mary built within their family established a tradition of deep connection and love that stretches for generations.

As a helping neighbor, Bob gave generously to those he loved, creating artwork, woodworking, and passing on important life lessons and skills, especially at the end of a fishing pole. Bob lived a devout life, deeply committed to living his Catholic faith.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Anna Mae Pozzi. He is survived by his wife, Mary; brother, John (Betty), and sister, Joan Mackeben; son, Michael (Robyne); daughters, Kathleen Hammer (Pete) and Marianne Huber (Gary); grandchildren, Knick and Troy (Tricia) Huber, Dani Zoeller (Bobby) and Brittany Bemis (Alexander), Manders and Jeremy McGuire, and Ally Hammer (Conner); and great-grandchildren, Ethan, Eli, Evelyn, Emma, and Erik Huber, Otto Zoeller, Vance Bemis, and Steffani.

A Funeral Mass will be on Friday, February 27, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church, 4401 Highcrest Road, Rockford, IL 61108, with a visitation prior to Mass starting at 9:00 a.m. Entombment will follow in Calvary Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of your choice in honor of Robert McGuire.