Robert Deacon

Robert Deacon died at home on June 24, 2015 after a courageous battle with ALS, with his family at his side. Born March 16, 1938, he was quietly proud of his Irish heritage, noting his father immigrated to this country as a 20 year old from Wexford County, Ireland, along with his two brothers. Bob was a former Marine, serving 7 years active and in the Ready Reserve. He married Sharon Haschemeyer on May 4th, 1968. They recently celebrated their 47th anniversary. They have one son, Brett Jason Deacon (Australia). Bob was a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and like many in his profession, worked for a number of local agencies. He worked for 35 years as a school social worker in numerous elementary and middle schools. He also maintained an independent private practice of psychotherapy for 40 years. In the early 1960s, he worked with delinquent boys for the IL Youth Commission. After that, he became a house father for 12-15 high school aged boys for 3 years at St. Vincent’s Home for Children, Freeport, IL. He attended Highland Community College, and then WIU in Macomb, IL, graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology in 1968. He graduated in 1970 from the University of Missouri Graduate School of Social Work, Columbia, MO and later completed post graduate work at the UI-Circle Campus, Chicago. Bob was granted Diplomate Status on the American Board of Examiners in Social Work. He was a Certified Divorce Mediator and conducted over 400 mediations for the 17th Judicial Circuit Court. He also enjoyed playing the role of a “standardized patient” for medical students attending the U of I College of Medicine in Rockford. Brett, Bob’s son, earned his PhD in clinical psychology and completed a post-doctorate at Mayo Clinic. One of Bob’s greatest joys was his long discussions between the two of them regarding their mutual interests in psychotherapy. Because Bob’s career required privilege and confidentiality, he often described his profession as being the “loneliest profession in the world.” His major source of relief was the times he spent on a golf course with his friends, whom he often said he’d “met just moments ago”. Golf was his place of peace, and a bench on the 17th tee of Ingersoll golf course is so designated. Bob wanted to thank his special friends at Ingersoll Golf Course for their friendship over the many years. Bob was an intense and sensitive person with quiet strength, a generous heart, and a rich sense of humor. He was a loving and supportive husband to his wife Sharon and a devoted father and grandfather. He especially enjoyed the many fishing and golf vacations he took with his son, Brett, as he was growing up. Bob was an accomplished woodworker whose creations adorn the homes of family and friends. Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Sharon, his son, Brett (Merek) and his marvelous granddaughters Hannah and Hailey, who were the apple of his eye. Also special nieces and nephews: Dian (Dave) White, Robert (Teresa) Swenson, Mike Gill, Cindy (Joe) White, Kathy (Joel) King and numerous others, including Sharon’s loving family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Abe and Elsie, and sisters Ann and Betty. Bob and the family would like to extend special thanks to Dr. Wallery and Northern IL Hospice for their outstanding, supportive, and compassionate care.
Cremation Rites have been accorded. A celebration of Bob’s life will be held at 4:00 on Sunday, June 28th, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, 1860 S. Mulford Rd., with visitation from 2:30 until time of service. We will share stories and invite those attending to do the same. In keeping with Bob’s fashion sense, casual dress is encouraged. In lieu of flowers, a memorial may be given to the ALS Association or Shriners Hospital for Children.