Robert "Bob" DePalma

Robert “Bob” DePalma, 59, of Cary, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on January 31, 2025, after a long and hard-fought battle with kidney disease.

 Bob was born on August 4, 1965, to Arthur J. and Phyllis J. (Urbanski) DePalma.

Bob grew up in North Riverside, where his childhood was filled with little league games, block parties on 7th Avenue, bike riding through the forest preserves, and causing general mischief with his band of hooligans who became his lifelong friends. He attended Mater Christi School and St. Joseph’s High School. Bob loved sports and played football and baseball all through high school. Just last spring, he was beaming proudly as he donned his letterman jacket, which fit just as it did in high school.

Most recently, Bob resided in Cary and was actively involved in farmers' markets in the Chicagoland and Southern Wisconsin areas. He enjoyed talking with people from all walks of life and took great pleasure in introducing them to different types of food, especially a good piece of fish. Affectionately known as the “Fish Guy” by many, he also retained the title of “The Wine Guy” from his days of running the Wine Peddler wine shop with his family.

Bob was known for his fun sense of humor, always ready with a joke or a witty remark to lighten the mood. His laughter was infectious, and he had a unique ability to bring joy to those around him, even in the toughest of times.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Phyllis. He is survived and sorely missed by his partner, Peggy Pirovano; his sisters, Diane and Carolyn; his beloved dog, Molly Rose; and loving aunt, uncles, and cousins. Although he had no biological children, he embraced the roles of dad, uncle, and grandpa to many who cherished him. The imprint he made through his special relationships with Froylan (Juli) Alonso, Megan and Jason Goettsche will be passed on to generations to come.

 Services will be held at a later date.

 In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the National Kidney Foundation or Wright-way Animal Shelter.