Bob was born in South Boston, MA on January 28, 1929, the son of Robert J. and Theresa Crowley. He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Elizabeth (VanTol) and two sons, Dr. Timothy and wife Ann Crowley of Hays, KS, and Andrew and wife Kathryn of Oak Park, IL. Also survived by five grandchildren, Alexander and Samuel of Lincoln, NE, Ethan, Emory, and Caiden of Oak Park, and one sister Margaret of Florida. Many in-laws, nephews, and nieces survive. His parents, one brother, Paul and one brother-in-law Joawn, preceded him in death.
After graduating from Boston Latin School (1946), Bob received his A.B. from Boston College (1950). He volunteered for the US Army and served in the Korean War. He completed his basic training in the Signal Corps at White Sands Proving Grounds, NM, and his OCS at Fort Monmouth, NJ, where he earned his commission as 2nd Lieutenant. Bob served as a liaison officer with the Republic of Korea Army in the 85th Signal Repair Company. Bob was honorably discharged from active service as a 2nd Lt. in 1953 and from the Army Reserves as a Captain in 1966.
Returning to Boston, Bob earned a M.A. in Teaching from Harvard University Graduate School in 1955. He moved to Jackson, MI, where he was employed as a teacher and principal in elementary schools. Working as a research associate, Bob earned a Ph. D. from the University of Michigan in 1966. He worked at Colgate University in Hamilton, NY, from 1967-70.
Bob was a charter member of the Sangamon State faculty in 1970. He belonged to many professional academic organizations, and retired from the University of Illinois Springfield in 2000 after 30 years of service as Professor in the Human Development Counseling program. Bob was proud of his graduate students’ accomplishments and his contributions to the internationalization of the university. He served as an exchange professor at Shanghai Normal University for three semesters. Bob was also especially proud of his work in YMCA youth soccer and leadership of Illinois Youth Symphony in their early years. He enjoyed singing in several choral groups, taking group piano lessons at LLCC, and rooting for the Chicago Cubs.
Cremation rites were accorded by Bisch Funeral Home, Springfield, and he was interred at Camp Butler National Cemetery. A memorial service and reception will be held on Saturday, April 7, 2018 at 10:30 am in Concordia Village Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to UIS Robert Crowley Scholarship Fund or to organization of the donor’s choice.
Please visit the online “Life Remembered Story” at www.bischfuneralhomewest.com where tributes and condolences may be made to the family.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18