Obituary of Robert James Donald
Robert James Donald, age 92, of Plainfield, IL, passed away Sunday morning, April 6, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family.
Robert was born in Chicago, IL, on October 8, 1932, a son of the late Gertrude (Nellis) and Ray Donald. He was an Army Veteran who served in Germany, during the Korean War. He received a bachelor degree from Chicago Teachers College and his Masters Degree from Roosevelt University.
He served as principal of Grover Cleveland School in Chicago for 28 years. Robert found joy in the leisurely pursuits of golf, fishing, and bowling. The second happiest day of his life was when the Cubs won the World Series. Blessed with a fantastic voice, he also cherished singing and possessed the skill of oil painting. Robert was a dedicated heirloom orchardist in Door County, Wisconsin.
He is the beloved husband of 63 years to Jacqueline (Rojek) Donald; loving father of Kimberley (Ed Pentuic) Donald and Heather (William Brachman) Donald; proud grandfather of James Donald Pentuic, Robert Donald Pentuic, and Hannah Willow Brachman; brother-in-law, Leonard Kirchner; niece Pamela (Denis) Daniel; and nephew Colin Kirchner.
He was preceded in death by his sisters, Nancy Kirchner and Joyce Adams; and his dearest friends, Roger Charney and Lucky.
Robert found joy in everyday.
Funeral services for Robert Donald will be held at 10:15 a.m. on Thursday, April 10, 2025 at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd., Joliet, IL, to Holy Family Catholic Church, 600 N. Brookforest Dr., Shorewood, IL where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery with full military honors held under the auspices of the United States Army and the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery Memorial Squad. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at the Funeral Home, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Anti-Cruelty Society or Planned Parenthood.
For more information please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave a condolence.
