Robert William Pumo

1943 - 2025

Robert William Pumo
Born: May 29, 1943 in Spring Valley, IL
Died: October 25, 2025 in Knoxville, IL
Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Great-Grandfather
Robert W. "Bob" Pumo, of Knoxville, IL (formerly of Peru, IL), passed away peacefully on October 25th, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Bob was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose warmth, humor, and love left an indelible mark on everyone who knew him.
Born May 29th, 1943 in Spring Valley, IL, Bob was the eldest son of Robert and Florence (Kwit) Pumo. He graduated from DePue High School and earned an associate degree from IVCC. A proud United States Navy veteran, Bob honorably served his country during the Vietnam era from 1961 to 1965. After his service, he built a long and successful career at Caterpillar, Inc., in Aurora, Illinois, retiring after 30 years.
From high school until his later years he loved dancing with his wife, Rosemary. Most recently, they enjoyed dancing to country music at Harley's Pub in Galesburg, where they could relax, connect with friends, and enjoy life together. Traveling was one of his greatest lifelong passions. Each year Bob would plan a trip with his wife to celebrate their wedding anniversary.
He loved visiting his children and grandchildren in Arizona, Georgia and Avignon, France. He proudly visited 47 states and made multiple trips to Europe, including memorable stops in France, Italy, Monaco, and Luxembourg. Among his favorite destinations was Las Vegas for dining out, going to the shows, and trying his luck at the casinos.
Bob loved the outdoors. He enjoyed fishing, canoeing, and camping. He hiked every trail at Starved Rock State Park many times over, and he cherished his hiking trips to Colorado including a special hike up Flattop Mountain Trail in Estes Park. He often said the most breathtaking place he had ever visited was Glacier National Park, where he felt truly immersed in nature-"in it," as he described. He particularly enjoyed summer camping and canoeing in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, where he shared many peaceful and adventurous trips with friends.
Bob was also a loyal sports enthusiast, playing basketball, baseball and running track when he was a teen. He cheered for the Chicago White Sox, and proudly supported his children's alma maters, the Fighting Illini and Arizona State Sun Devils.
He is survived by his wife of 61 wonderful years, Rosemary (Blanco); his sister Terri Lynn Benkse; and his brother Kevin (Samantha). He was the proud father of Theresa (Pumo) Mangieri (Mark), Ellen Pumo, Michael Pumo (Kristen), and Gregory Pumo (Stephanie). Bob was the cherished Grandpa to Katarina (Mangieri) Dimino (Phillip), Mark Mangieri Jr. (Devyn), and Anna Mangieri; Chloe and Theo Zachalsky; Michael Jr., Anthony, Samuel, Luke, Nora, and Maria Pumo, and loving great-grandfather to Amelia Dimino, affectionately nicknamed "the little chicken."
He was preceded in death by his parents Florence and Robert, his brother Richard, brother-in-law James "Iggy," and nephew Ryan.
Bob will be remembered for his humor, kindness, steadfast love for his family, and his outgoing personality. His legacy lives on through the many lives he touched, his generosity, and the memories his family will forever cherish.
Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 PM, Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Homes and Crematory, Knoxville. Funeral Mass will be 11:30 AM Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 2401 North Broad Street, Galesburg; with a visitation will be one hour prior to mass and rosary prayer service held at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow services at Valley Memorial Park Cemetery, Spring Valley, Illinois. Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Homes and Crematory, Knoxville have been entrusted to assist the family with arrangements. Memorials may be donated to COSTA Catholic Academy or to the Alzheimer's Association Illinois Chapter - Galesburg. Expressions of sympathy may be left to the family at www.hurd-hendricksfuneralhome.com