This news came to us from Jeanne English; she had received notice of Bob’s passing in a holiday card from Roger Bergstein. Before we share the formal obituary, we thought this a lovely tribute from his brother R.S. Radford:
From our first toys to your rallies
You loved the driver’s seat.
So journey safe and journey well
Until next time we meet.
Your loving brother, Dick
R. S. RADFORD — Sep 09, 2023
Bob Radford, 81, Rockford passed away Tuesday, September 5, 2023, in his home. He was born May 2, 1942, in Council Bluffs, IA, the son of Lloyd and Arlene (Bacon) Radford. He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Linda; his daughter, Carol Squillante; his granddaughter, Victoria (Tyler) DeWilligen and their daughter, Piper; his grandson, Andrew (Nichole Adams) Squillante; his brother, R.S. (Sharon Browne) Radford.
Bob grew up in Kansas and attended Kansas State College in Pittsburg, KS. He became known as “the man of many careers” and was highly successful in all of them. Bob came to Rockford to work on the newspaper after being named the youngest managing editor of a daily newspaper in the country. He went on to work at the Chicago Sun-Times and finally retired from the Chicago Tribune after several prestigious awards. During this period, he married and had a family to whom he was devoted.
He was a 16-time Sports Car Club of America National Road Rally Championship Driver, and he was named Toyota’s Driver of the Year. He went on to become the Corporate Vice President of the SCCA in Denver, CO, and was in charge of the Pro Rally, Road Rally, and Solo events. After serving two terms on the Board of Directors of the Billiard Congress of America, he received the President’s Award for his contributions to the industry. His legacy lives on in those whom he mentored.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday, September 11, 2023, at Alpine Lutheran Church, 5001 Forest View Av. Rockford, IL. Burial will be at a later date in Cedar Bluff Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2:00 P.M. until 4:00 P.M. on Sunday, September 10, 2023, at the church and from 10:00 A.M. until 10:45 A.M. on Monday. Arrangements by Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory. Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.
May he rest in peace.
Here is a link to the obituary, which is on Legacy.com.
