Robert J. De Salvo

Robert J. De Salvo, Bob, 88 of Mt. Prospect, IL, formerly of Park Ridge, IL, died peacefully at home on May 14, 2023. Born on April Fool’s Day and with two children born on Valentine’s Day and a third child born on Leap Year Day, it is only fitting that he passed away on Mother’s Day. 

Bob is survived by his loving wife Mary of 62 years, children Susan (Richard) McNamee, Robert (Amy) De Salvo, Valerie (John) Clark, Theresa (Robert) House, and David De Salvo. Bob was the proud grandfather of 16 grandchildren- Katie, Kevin and Danny McNamee, Michael (Grace) De Salvo, Carolyn (Richard) Varadan, David and Jenny De Salvo, Jackie, Megan, Julie and Elizabeth Clark, Maggie, Ellie, Catherine, Anne and Sarah House, and three great-grandchildren, Augustina and Michael De Salvo and Therese’ Varadan.  

Bob leaves behind three siblings, Maryanne Schiller, William (Elma) De Salvo, and Theresa Glusack. Bob was close to many nieces and nephews, most especially Michael (Kathy) Schiller, who considered Uncle Bob to be his honorary father.  

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Lucille De Salvo, and his brothers Ernest, James, and John De Salvo.  

Having faithfully served as a medic for the U.S. Armed Forced in the 15th Infantry at Ft. Benning, GA, Bob’s army training colored his everyday life. He is fondly remembered for his rally cry of “Troops!!!” that kept his children, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren in line. 

Bob took advantage of the GI bill and graduated from the Walton School of Commerce with an accounting degree, proudly passing the CPA examination. His accounting career spanned 60+ years when he finally retired from public accounting at the age of 82 years. Bob was a dedicated accountant for Albert T. Bacon, Main Lafrentz and Leo J. Krupp and Company, where he became managing partner. 

Bob was the ultimate protector and provider, and he valued his family above all else. He worked hard to create yearly family traditions, including vacations to the Wisconsin Northwoods at the YMCA Family Camp Nawakwa and fall camping at the Covered Bridge Festival in Rockville, IN. These traditions were shared with extended family and friends and are lovingly carried on in his honor.  

Bob was an avid sports fan, as long as the teams were the Chicago White Sox and the Chicago Bears and his enthusiasm on game days involved pacing from room to room and from TV to radio to cheer his teams on, occasionally using colorful language. Bob was also an avid fisherman, and the next big catch was just a cast away. He patiently taught his children and grandchildren the art of catching and cleaning fish. He was a handyman adept at fixing anything with duct tape and WD40. 

Bob was a devout Roman Catholic, serving as Grand Knight for the Maria Council Knights of Columbus, and volunteered many hours in prayer at St. Paul of the Cross Adoration Chapel. 

Visitation will be from 4-8 PM on Wednesday, May 17th at Cooney Funeral Home, 625 Busse Hwy in Park Ridge, IL. A Mass of Catholic Burial will be celebrated at Mary, Seat of Wisdom Catholic Church, 1352 S. Cumberland Ave. in Park Ridge, IL, at 10 AM on Thursday, May 18th. Interment All Saints Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Bob’s name to YMCA Family Camp Nawakwa https://www.ymcachicago.org/nawakwa/donate-to-family-camp-nawakwa/ or the Wounded Warrior Project https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/Default.aspx?tsid=11585&ovr_acv_id=17516&campaignSource=ONLINE&source=BS23016AAABREAA&gad=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI4cDOxID5_gIVF8_jBx2xuAR0EAAYASAAEgIyQvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds 

 For information please call 847-685-1002 or visit www.cooneyfuneralhome.com