Robert Alvin Brockway

Robert Alvin “Bob” Brockway, 88, of Belvidere, Illinois, passed away surrounded by his family on Thursday, June 6, 2024, at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center in Rockford, Illinois.  Bob was born in Rockford on March 31, 1936, to Alvin and Mabel (Jiles) Brockway.  Bob married the love of his life, Ardys Jane Bell on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1959, in Red Wing, Minnesota; 2024 marked the 65th year of their marriage.  Bob graduated from Rockford East High School in 1954 and worked a variety of jobs around the country until he settled back in Belvidere with Ardys.  He worked at Central Rubber Co. in Belvidere for over 20 years starting as a shop laborer and chemist assistant, rising to President after earning his Associate of Business degree from Rock Valley College.  Bob moved on to MassMutual where he served as an insurance and financial management agent until his retirement.  Bob was a lifelong member of Zion Lutheran Church (Belvidere) and a long-serving member of the Belvidere Rotary Club.  Retirement brought more of his favorite things:  frequent rounds of golf with his friends, reading, bookending each week with Monday/Friday meetings with “the coffee guys” (to, as he put it, ‘solve the world’s problems’), and opportunities to serve the Belvidere community by volunteering to read to elementary students and participating in Zion-sponsored events such as Meals-on-Wheels, whenever possible.  Bob enjoyed following Chicago sports teams, particularly the Cubs and Bears, and of course the BHS Bucs.  Bob and Ardys also loved to travel and were able to visit most of the States and also abroad to the Caribbean, Mexico and Europe.  Most importantly, Bob was a devoted family man.  Bob is loved and his smile and gentle demeanor will be greatly missed by his beloved wife, Ardys; sons, Brian (Amber) Brockway, Scott (Suzanne) Brockway; grandchildren, Terran, Averie, Harrison, and Rachel; brother, Fred (Kitty) Brockway; sister, Cindy (Steve) Keene; and the many nieces, nephews, family and friends he made along his life’s journey.  Bob was preceded in death by his parents Al and Mabel, and sisters, Elsie Williams and Janice Williams. There will be a Celebration of Life on Friday, June 21, 2024, from 12:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M. at Zion Lutheran Church 1300 Pearl Street, Belvidere, Illinois. A service will begin at 2:00 P.M, followed by a luncheon.  

The Brockway Family would like to extend thanks and gratitude to the dedicated medical professionals at both St. Anthony/OSF and East Bank Center who worked with Bob in a variety of ways during the last year.  In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the Zion Lutheran Church General Fund.  Condolences may be shared with the family at www.belviderefh.com.