To see this 6’4” former Korean War MP, one would never guess the tender hearted grandfather, sweetly loving husband, witty and loyal friend, and devout animal lover with a heart of gold that innervated this gentle giant.
He exceeded his parents, Florence and Wilden Rockafield, expectations in more than height. Born February 19, 1930 and a resident of Kalamazoo, Michigan for 28 years, he was a graduate of Kalamazoo
Central High School in 1947 and Western Michigan University in 1954.He became an outstanding award-winning editor for the Chicago Tribune, Pioneer Press, and Copley Newspapers. His lifelong support of civil rights was recognized with a HOPE for People Award for promoting media fairness on race based topics. After he retired, Bob was the host of a political roundtable for NPR, and a fanatical traveler.
He became Italian by proxy through his marriage to Joan Boscia and his many trips to Italy. Together they celebrated, spoiled and fed numerous family, friends and children.
He is survived by his dearest “Babe”, Joan. He was a loving and tolerant father to his children Patti Lynn, Dan (Sarah), and Kitty, and the late Mary and Bob; and an adoring and adored Grandpa to grandchildren, Alexandra and Jonathon Aguilar, Dana Lynn Izenbaard, Kai, and Ava Rockafield and two great-granddaughters, Isabella and Amelia Aguilar, and a devoted brother to Herb Adams. He had many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins. He deeply cherished his friends, his colleagues and the members of his 174th Military Police battalion. He will be remembered for his kindness, humor, intellectual curiosity, passionate support for the arts, museums, and humanity in general.
Visitation will be from 3 -8pm Wednesday, at the Original Rago
Brothers Funeral Home, 7751 W. Irving Park Road, Chicago. Family and friends will gather Thursday at Ascension of Our Lord Church, 1 S 314 Summit Ave, Oak Brook Terrace for 10:00am mass. Int. Mt. Carmel Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Parkinsons Disease
Foundation (pdf.org).