Robert Jon Delaney

Robert Jon Delaney, age 31, passed away on Monday, February 22, 2016 surrounded by the love of his family and friends after a long battle with Rhabdomyosarcoma.

Robert is survived by his loving and devoted fiancée, Jennifer Alicz; mother, Judy Delaney (nee Roderick); father, Robert A. (Suzanne Descourouez) Delaney; paternal grandmother, Lois (the late Robert L.) Delaney; maternal grandmother; Martha Nystrom; brothers, Bradley and Kevin (Renee Kohl) Delaney; family and countless friends; and his pets, Stella and Amelia.

Preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Robert L. Delaney (2014); maternal grandfather, Evan Roderick (1977).

Rob was born in Joliet and raised in Minooka. He graduated from Minooka Community High School class of 2002 and went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Aviation Flight Management at Lewis University (2006). Upon graduating, he worked at Lewis as a Flight Instructor and Flight Team Coach. After nearly 5 years at Lewis he went on to pursue his dream at ExpressJet Airlines as a First Officer. Rob was also an ExpressJet Airlines Ambassador and was an active member of CABAA and Women in Aviation. Rob was most passionate about his relationships with the ones he loved, especially his flight students. His life revolved around flying and he loved sharing his knowledge of aviation. Rob was an automobile enthusiast and especially enjoyed caring for and driving his Subaru WRX named Kurk. Another passion of his was cooking and baking and he was known for his famous potica.

The family would like to offer a special thank you to Dr. Marta Batus and Dr. Ross Abrams as well as the incredible nurses and staff at Rush University Medical Center for the wonderful care provided to Robert.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Robert’s name to Seasons Hospice Foundation or the American Cancer Society would be appreciated.

Per Robert’s wishes there will be no wake; instead a celebration of Robert’s life will be held on Sunday, February 28, 2016 at Lewis University in the Harold E. White Aviation Center, 1 University Parkway, Romeoville, IL 60446 from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A special fly by will be held at 5:20 p.m. weather permitting, followed by remarks of remembrance. Per Robert’s wishes, his body has been respectfully donated to advance medical research.