Robert C. "Bob" Walsh

Robert C. "Bob" Walsh Sr., age 82, a resident of Naperville, IL since 2003, formerly of Chicago and Hickory Hills, IL, passed away on Friday, June 20, 2025, at Sunrise of Naperville, IL. He was born on November 24, 1942, in Chicago, IL.
Beloved husband of the late Rosemary Walsh (nee Russert), who preceded him in death (d. 2021), loving father of Christopher (Anne Hill) Walsh of Fort Worth, TX, Kevin (Jeri Countryman) Walsh of Alameda, CA and Rob (Michelle) Walsh of Palos Heights, IL, father-in-law of the late beloved Trisha Walsh (d. 2021), adored grandfather of Allison, Megan and Colin Walsh; Nick Etchison and Anthony Walsh; Amelia and Otto Countryman Walsh; devoted son of the late John and Laverne Walsh, dear brother of the late Patricia Walsh, fond cousin, uncle, great-uncle and friend to many.
Born and bred in the heart of Chicago's south side, Bob embodied the spirit of his Irish heritage, rooted deeply in the community of St. Killian's parish. His formative years were gently guided by the discipline of the St. Killian nuns, who provided a sense of faith and morality. The Christian Brothers at Brother Rice High School further sculpted his character, imparting academics and integrity. He went on to earn his undergraduate degree at the University of Detroit and graduate degree at DePaul University. It was during this period that fate intervened, introducing him to Rosemary. They began 53 happy years of marriage on December 30, 1967, a date Rosemary would tease him about, claiming he chose the very last possible Saturday of the year from the calendar. Bob was an early pioneer in the computer industry, leading many companies into a new era including IBM, Little Company of Mary Hospital, Moraine Valley Community College, World's Finest Chocolates, Boise Cascade Office Products, National Hardware, and most notably, Schwinn Bicycles, an accomplishment he often spoke of with immense pride and celebration. For all the devotion to his professional life, Bob put forth equal enthusiasm for fun and adventure, always ready for the next outing, whether you were joining him or not. His calendar was diverse: trivia nights with friends at Quigley's Irish Pub, evenings spent listening to the Naperville Municipal Band, and as many NASCAR races and Oshkosh air shows as he could possibly fit into his schedule. His curiosity led him to genealogy classes, tracing the roots of his family tree. He was a loyal patron of the South Side Irish Parade, always preferred to the downtown parade, and never missed the music and food of the Gaelic Park Irish Fest. His wanderlust took him from petting pandas in China to scaling the majestic Sydney Harbour Bridge in Australia. He made multiple pilgrimages to Ireland, not just to trace his family's lineage, but to enjoy a little 'craic' throughout the isle. He spent time volunteering at St. Baldricks, Bike Bald, Great Strides for Cystic Fibrosis, and local charity runs. Through it all, what truly defined him was his profound love for connecting with people. In all his travels, in all his endeavors, it was the conversations, the shared stories, the connections he made that resonated deepest. Everyone, everywhere, it seemed, knew Bob. His infectious warmth, his genuine interest in others, and his unparalleled ability to strike up a conversation made him a beloved figure in countless communities. He is going to be missed in so many places.
He was deathly afraid of heights but would bravely climb a barstool for a properly poured Guinness. A life lived fully, a rest well deserved.
A visitation will be held on Monday, June 23, 2025, 4:00-8:00 PM at Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 44 S. Mill St., Naperville, IL 60540.
Family and friends will meet on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, 10:00 AM to celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church, 2220 Lisson Rd., Naperville, IL 60565.
Private interment: Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Alsip, IL.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob's memory may be made to:
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, https://www.cff.org/
For more information, please visit www.friedrich-jones.com or call (630) 355-0213.