Robert A. Palmeri

Robert Anthony Palmeri, 64, of Rockford, lost his battle with lung cancer on Wednesday, February 19, 2020. Bob was born in Rockford on March 1, 1955 to Louis and Margaret (Egler) Palmeri. He graduated from Auburn High School in 1974 distinguished as the class valedictorian. He was class homecoming king, president of the National Honor Society, and published in the annual edition of Who's Who Among American High School Students. These fine academic achievements were accomplished while working nights and weekends at the Giant Store stocking shelves in the pharmacy department.

His distinguished academic career was continued on to Western Illinois University where he graduated with honors in economics and philosophy. He proceeded to complete graduate coursework at WIU as well.

Fresh out of college he was hired as a quality control supervisor at Greenlee-Textron where he worked for over 20 years.  Here, he met the mother of his children, Kimberly Cummings, who he married in 1987. More recently he worked as a blackjack dealer at the Hollywood Casino in Aurora, Illinois. Bob was a jack of all trades, willing to help anyone in need. Whether you needed your house roofed, stone deck built, or looking for a friend confidant; Bob was your guy! Bob would accomplish anything and everything he put his mind to.

He loved landscaping and camping with his children. His favorite trips with his family was a canoeing trip to the Ozarks in Missouri and horseback riding at Governor Dodge State Park. Early in life, he loved scuba diving and spending time at Lake Geneva on his sailboat. He told many tales of trips to Mexico and was always in search of the best local taco. More recently, Bob enjoyed riding his motorcycle down to Stillman Valley for a slice of Casey’s pizza; hoping for a Chicago Bears Super Bowl victory; and Friday night fish fry at the St. Ambrogio Club.

He is survived by his father, Louis Palmeri; son, Nicolas Palmeri, D.O.; twin daughters, Alexandria and McKenzie Palmeri; brother, Bill Palmeri; sister, Suzanne (Steve) Waggoner; and mother of his children, Kimberly Sandine. Predeceased by his mother, Margaret Palmeri.

Visitation will be from 11:00am to 1:00pm with words from the family at 12:30pm on Tuesday, February 25, 2020 in Honquest Family Funeral Home with Crematory-Mulford Chapel, 4311 N. Mulford Road, Loves Park, IL 61111.  A luncheon will follow.  In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family.

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