Robert William Pitman, 57, of Cherry Valley, Illinois, passed away on May 24, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family after a short battle with esophageal cancer, which he fought hard until the very end.

Rob was born on June 16, 1968, in Belvidere, Illinois, to Gloria Pitman and John Schmidt. He graduated from North Boone High School in 1986 and went on to build a life centered around hard work, family, music, and traveling.

On September 19, 1992, he married the love of his life, Jody McCoy, and together they built over three decades of memories, laughter, traveling, and unconditional love.

Rob worked for nearly thirty years at Acument Global Technologies as a Header Operator, where he was known for his strong work ethic and dedication.

Above all else, Rob loved his family. He treasured trips to Soldier Field with his son, Benjamin, including a Bears game together last November, and enjoyed traveling to Wichita to spend Thanksgiving with his daughter, Allison, and family. He and Jody loved traveling in their little teardrop camper, and one of his last trips was out west with Jody and Ben to Glacier National Park, Yellowstone National Park and many other unforgettable places.

Rob enjoyed life’s simpler moments, including sitting around a campfire with a good bourbon and spending time with his beloved dog, Walter. Music was always part of Rob’s life, especially heavy metal and discovering lesser-known bands that many had never heard of.

Rob was never the loudest person in the room and often listened more than he spoke. He had a quiet intelligence about him and was always thinking and observing the world around him.

He was preceded in death by his stepfather, Lanny Moran, who helped raise and guide him.

Rob will be remembered for his strength, loyalty, and love of traveling, along with the deep love he had for his family and friends.

Survivors include his wife, Jody Pitman of Cherry Valley; his daughter, Allison Pitman of Wichita, Kansas; his son, Benjamin Pitman of Cherry Valley; his mother, Gloria Moran of Capron, Illinois; his sister, Lori(Durean) Schmars of Capron, Illinois; along with many nieces, nephews, in-laws, extended family members, and friends who will miss him deeply.

A visitation for Rob will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. through 1:30 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Rd, Rockford, IL 61108. A time of sharing will follow at 1:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Camp Lions of Illinois in Rob’s memory.