Robert "Bob" James Williams of Lincolnshire, Illinois, passed away peacefully on January 26, 2026, at the age of 96. He will long be remembered as a kind-hearted, hard-working man of faith, humor, and boundless devotion to his family and to his beloved wife, Mary Jane, who preceded him in death. Bob was the devoted husband of Mary Jane, with whom he shared a lifelong partnership of 73 years. Together, they raised twelve children who, along with their spouses, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, carry forward the values Bob demonstrated each and every day. Despite the demands of such a large family, Bob was deeply grateful for the life he led. He was happiest when surrounded by family and his many close friends, always fully engaged and present. Bob had an unending curiosity about how things worked, especially anything mechanical—car engines, industrial manufacturing equipment, computers (he may be the only person who ever read an entire DOS user's manual), and even basement boilers. Through life's ups and downs, Bob never complained. He was quick to laugh and greeted each day with optimism. Bob's Catholic faith and church community were central to his life, guiding his actions and his interactions with others. His legacy lives on in the hearts of his family and all who were touched by his kind presence. Bob was born in 1929 and raised on Chicago's west side by his mother, Ludy (Ludivine de St. Aubin). His father, James Williams, died when Bob was just one year old. A decade later, his mother married George "Brud" Tillesen, and Bob's family grew to include three sisters—Judy, Mary, and Chris—with whom he remained close throughout his life. Bob worked a variety of jobs during his teenage years to achieve his dream of earning a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology. He went on to enjoy a long and successful career in engineering, quality control, and operations management. Bob met the love of his life, Mary Jane, at a local church dance. They were married soon afterward in 1952 and were rarely apart. Together, they raised Jim (Bonnie) Williams, Kevin (Lisa) Williams, Jeanne (Don) Hunter, Larry (Cassy) Williams, Dan (Karen) Williams, Don (Donna) Williams, Mary Ann Williams, John (Elena) Williams, Lynn Williams, Rick (Mary) Williams, Chuck (Heather) Williams, and Chris Williams. Bob was the cherished grandfather of Brian, Mike (Caroline), David (Missy), Grace (Mike), Paul, Emily (Dan), Hannah, Kate, Jerry (Olivia), Jack, Robert, Annie, Aidan, Hope, Mike, Alex, Duncan, Luke, Colleen, Claire, Joseph, Nick, Connor, Emma, Isabelle, Grant, and Calla, and the proud great-grandfather of Will, Jason, Ben, and Nora. He was a beloved brother of Chris Callozzo, Mary Dowgiallo, and Judy Zorzi, and a treasured uncle, cousin, and friend to many. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Bob's life at a visitation on Sunday, February 1, from 12:00–5:00 p.m. at Kolssak Funeral Home, 189 S. Milwaukee Avenue (two blocks south of Dundee Road), Wheeling. A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, February 2, at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 724 Elder Lane, Deerfield, Illinois. A luncheon will follow the Mass, with interment afterward at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, 1400 S. Wolf Road, Hillside, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob's memory may be made to Salute, Inc. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared online at funerals.pro For additional information, please call 847-537-6600. Click Here to See the LIVESTREAM https://www.holycrossparish.net/live