Obituary of Robert Francis Lambert
Robert Francis Lambert
“Bob”
Age 84, passed away peacefully at Joliet Area Community Hospice House on Wednesday, November 15, 2017 with his loving family at his side, following a short but courageous battle with cancer.
Bob was born to Adhemar and Melina Lambert on July 14th, 1933 in Bourbonnais, Illinois. He was brought up in a traditional French Catholic home and was the oldest of 6 children. He graduated from St. Patrick’s High School in Kankakee, IL and Joliet Junior College. Bob married Joanne Maisonneuve and they had 4 children with 12 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. He then married Linda Schild in 1975 and lovingly supported her and her 3 children, Lee and Lon Schilds and Launa Enix.
Bob was a proud Navy Veteran serving in the Korean Conflict in the early 1950’s. He was able to learn and master his role as electrician’s mate which helped his 37 year career as electrical engineer with Illinois Bell Telephone Company. Bob was a lifetime member of Illinois Bell Pioneers. As an avid Cubs fan, he enjoyed painting, singing karaoke to his favorite artist “Frank Sinatra”, sports and his exceptional vocabulary. Above all else, Robert loved and cherished his 4 children.
He spent the last 10 years thoroughly enjoying his days at Willow Falls Retirement Community in Crest Hill, IL where he was involved with the painting club, drama club, and cafeteria committee. He cherished all his friends, especially Charlie and Evelyn.
Survived by his 4 children, Michelle (Scott) Holladay, Laurie (Eric) Beltzhoover, Mike (Georganne Keigher) Lambert and Jennifer (Don) Eckels; 12 grandchildren, Erica (Chris) Kenney, Scott Southcomb, Nina (Matt) Bartels, Nolan (Kaylynn) Suste, Ryan Beltzhoover, Rachel(Eric) Perscynski, Kelly and Ashley Lambert, Shannon (Brian) Leary, Sarah (Mark) Cunzolo and Elizabeth Eckels; 8 great granchildren; his brother, Bryan (Joann) Lambert; and two sisters-in-law, Maureen Lambert and Ginger Lambert. Nieces and nephews also survive.
He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Theresa (Richard) Haack, David, Rodger and Ron (Grace) Lambert; and nephew, William “Bill” Haack.
We are blessed and eternally grateful for the care and compassion provided by his physicians, especially Dr. Jason Suh, Dr. Brian Ragona, Dr. Robert Elgar and Dr. J.D. Wright, along with the staff at the Joliet Area Community Hospice and the Hospice Home.
“Let the record show, he took the blow and did it HIS WAY!” (Lyrics from Frank Sinatra, My Way.)
Funeral Services for Robert Lambert will be Tuesday, November 21, 2017 at 9:45 a.m. from the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet, to the Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery where full military honors will be conducted under the auspices of the of the United States Navy. In lieu of flowers, donations to Joliet Area Community Hospice will be appreciated. Visitation will be Monday from 3-8 p.m. For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Memory Tribute at www.fredcdames.com
