Robert E. Darnell

Robert E. Darnell, 92, of Rockford, IL, was welcomed into heaven on Sunday, February 5, 2017. Born on January 7, 1925 in Vandalia, IL, son of John Henry and Jennie Towne. The third of eight children, Robert grew up on the family farm where he first developed the strong work ethic for which he was known his entire life.

In World War II, Robert honorably served his nation as a Merchant Marine. Of this elite U.S Coast Guard division, General Douglas MacArthur once said: “I hold no branch in higher esteem.” In 1948, Robert married his sweetheart, Mafalda Bonacquisti, a lively redhead who was also one of eight children. Together, they raised two sons in a warm, supportive home filled with laughter.

For 40 years until his retirement in 1990, Robert worked as a tool sharpener and foreman for Metal Cutting Tools, now MetCut. Robert will be remembered as a humble, honest and hard-working man with homespun values he shared with his family.

Survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Mafalda; sons Clifford (Andrea) and Randolph (Catherine) Darnell; grandchildren Adrienne (Justin) Spencer and Ashley, Austin (Jennifer), Abbey and Ally Darnell; three great-grandchildren; brother James (Patricia) Darnell; and sisters Irene Peterson and Jane Holm. Preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and two sisters.