Robert F. Duffer

Robert F. "Bob" Duffer, 82, of Arlington Heights died on January 8, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on October 31, 1941, in Chicago, IL and, during his boyhood, was raised in Rutherford, Tenn., the son of Thomas and Lorene Duffer.

Bob's family returned to Chicago where he graduated from Lane Tech High School. He was a proud veteran, having enlisted in the U.S. Army from 1963-1965, serving in the Big Red One as a cryptographer.

Bob and Marianne Giannini (1943-1997) married in 1967 and had three children--Julianne, Peter Gerard and Robert Thomas. While working full-time and having a young family, Bob attended night school at Northwestern University and received a degree in Business Administration.

Bob had an illustrious career with the Federal government, first as facilities manager at the FAA-O'Hare and then as the Assistant Deputy Regional Administrator of the General Services Administration (Great Lakes Region) where he managed 22 million square feet of space. He oversaw the establishment of child care centers for Federal employees throughout the Great Lakes Region. He was a trusted mentor and advisor to many.

Bob's passion for property management was his hobby, too. He owned and rehabbed over 40 houses in Arlington Heights, many times applying his own skills in carpentry, electrical and tiling.

Despite having the last name of Duffer, Bob was an excellent golfer, enjoying Saturday morning rounds with the Senators at the Cog Hill Golf Club and early Sunday morning golf with three generations of his family at the Arlington Lakes Golf Club.

Being a car enthusiast, Bob owned over 100 cars--classic to electric--over his lifetime. Bob's pranks were legendary among his grandchildren and golf buddies, especially the spider on the golf bag trick.

His grandchildren praised his passionate support of all their academics and activities, from the basketball court and golf course to the hockey rink and center stage, as well as cheering them on at Model UN Conferences and at high ranking career positions at the world's top companies. He was their number one fan.

In addition to being the beloved husband of Celeste Zywiciel, he was the loving father of Julianne (Chris Jamboretz) Duffer, Peter (Allison) Duffer, and Robert T. Duffer; cherished Grandpa Duff of Chloe and Noah Leuthaeuser, Luke, Jack and Ben Duffer, and Robert Calvin and Maria Duffer; brother-in-law of Walter Zywiciel; dear cousin of Pamela (Ellis) Cochran of Union City, Tenn.

He was predeceased by his parents and brother, Wayne.

Visitation will be from 3:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Thursday, January 11, 2024, at the Glueckert Funeral Home, Ltd., 1520 N. Arlington Heights Rd., Arl. Hgts, IL 60004 and on Friday, January 12, 2024, from 9:00 am until time of Funeral Mass at 10:00 am at St. James Catholic Church, 831 N. Arl. Hts Rd., Arl. Hts IL 60004

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Bob's favorite charity, the Suburban Sheltie Rescue, by contacting 630-452-1371.