Robert Peter Smith

Robert Peter Smith - "Dad" - is Home - He entered his Heavenly home Monday January 9th, 2023.  Fittingly, he began this last journey in his first home at 835 W. Fabyan Parkway, with his wife Janice and children at his side.

Robert and "his bride" Janice Elizabeth celebrated a 70th wedding anniversary commemorating their August 30th, 1952, wedding at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Naperville, Illinois.  

Bob considered himself blessed with 7 children, which he often reminded us, were welcomed and loved. 

Kathy Saumell, Sugar Grove, IL, Christine (Ken) Ciesielski, Prescott, AZ, Marie (Tom) Jewell, Sandwich, IL, Nancy (Bob) Smith, Bradenton, FL, Susan (Ron) Lambert, Batavia, IL, and sons Michael, Batavia, IL, and Patrick, Geneva, IL

10 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren were to follow. He liked to kid that he hoped to be here to welcome a great-great grandchild.

His family was unquestionably his greatest joy.

Born in Cook County, Chicago, Illinois to Edwin and Gertrude (Ortegal) Smith, Bob was one of 8 brothers and sisters.  Delores, Edwin, Elizabeth, Joan, Gertrude, Merita, Paul and John.

He was a graduate of Marmion Military Academy in Aurora, Illinois.    Bob was an Army World War II veteran stationed in Japan at the end of the war.   Upon return, Bob graduated from St. Procopius College in Lisle, Illinois.

We, his children, feel dad would want to being remembered first and foremost for his Catholic faith, as a loving husband; father; gardener; and a life-long camper. Oh, did he love to "Shunpike across the nation. Dad was passionate about woodworking forever sketching plans for some new project, and you most likely would find him tinkering in his shop. 

Dad supported many missions across the country.  He loved opening his mission mail, it was part of his daily routine. 

Robert is preceded in death by his parents, sisters Gertrude and Dolores brothers Edwin, Paul and John and his grandson Christopher Saumell.   

Visitation be held Sunday, January 15, 2023, from 1:00pm to 5:00pm at Moss Funeral Home in Batavia, Illinois.  Catholic Mass will be celebrated at Holy Cross Church in Batavia on Monday, January 16th at 10:30am interment to follow immediately after at Resurrection Cemetery in Geneva, IL. A luncheon will be served directly following at the Knights of Columbus Park in Batavia.

Donations in Robert's name can be made to the St. Labre Indian School in Ashland, MT or the St. Francis Mission in St. Francis, SD.