Robert Warren Columbia

Robert “Bob” Warren Columbia, 88

Rockford - Robert “Bob” Warren Columbia, 88, passed away Monday, March 23, 2015, at
Wesley Willows. He was born February 18, 1927, in Burgettstown, PA, the son of Jeilden Z. Columbia and Linda M. (nee: Kraeer) Columbia. Bob was a Rockford resident for 53 years, coming here from McDonald, PA in 1962. He married Joanne Love on March 21, 1952. Bob worked as an engineer for Climax Molybdenum, Barber Coleman, Sundstrand, Bourn&Koch, and as an engineering consultant for Pacific Bearing Corp. after his retirement. Bob was brilliant engineer with a practical mind. Bob honorably served in the US Army after high school, during WWII in the Asiatic/Pacific theatre, as a radio operator in Osaka, Japan. He attained the rank of Private 2nd Class. Bob was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church and Masonic Lodge, Freeport Consistory. Bob loved aviation and was an active airplane pilot, owning his own airplane, and was also active in the Civil Air Patrol in Rockford. Bob and Joanne also truly loved the time they spent together on their farm in northwest Rockford.

He is survived by his wife Joanne; sister Nila Mae (Wayne) Scott and brother William (Marlene) Columbia; brother-in-law James Gilson; nieces Pamela Falkenberg, Sherri Gilson and Kimberly Ann Scott Oglietti; nephews Wayne Scott and Greg Columbia; grandnephews Tyler M. Scott, Noah T. Oglietti and Ryan S. Oglietti; and grandniece Hannah Scott. Bob was predeceased by his parents; sisters Ruth Falkenberg and Linda Lee Gilson; brother-in-law Emil Falkenberg; niece Paula Falkenberg Leiner; and nephews Robert Columbia and Timothy L. Gilson.

The funeral service will be private. Memorials may be made to Westminster Presbyterian Church. Arrangements by Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Riverside Chapel, 3910 N. Rockton Avenue, Rockford 61103. Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.