Robert J. Rolih

Robert John Rolih PhD., age 90, passed away suddenly on Thursday, December 20, 2018 at Presence St. Joseph Medical Center.

Robert is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Lorraine (nee Sporar); children, Catherine Rolih (Richard) Weinberg, Joan Rolih and Mark (Donna) Rolih; grandchildren, Jacob and Aaron Weinberg, Anne and Samuel Serdar; numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Antonia (nee Benegar) Rolih; siblings, Louis, Tony, John, Joseph and Frank Rolih, Mary Walker and Josephine Rolih in infancy.

Robert graduated from St. Joseph Grade School, Joliet Township High School, Joliet Junior College, University of Illinois and Iowa State University where he earned his PhD in Organic Chemistry. Robert went on to Monsanto Corporation and Amoco before establishing Rho Chemical Company and ARRO Laboratory. He also acquired MER and General Surfactants throughout his career. Robert was a lifetime member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Joliet where he proudly served as Eucharistic Minister and on numerous counsels; he was also a member of the American Chemical Society, AAAS and Joliet Lions Club. He found great enjoyment following the Solar Eclipse, traveling to, Mongolia, Australia, Tahiti, Bolivia, Curaçao, Hawaii, Turkey and his final trip to Goreville, IL. Robert was a diehard Chicago Blackhawks fan, following them for many years; he also enjoyed reading and classical music. Robert was noted for his kindness and generosity to many. He will be dearly missed.

A celebration of Robert’s life will begin on Saturday, December 22, 2018 with a visitation at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Joliet from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass of Christian Burial to be held at 11:00 a.m. Interment to follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Joliet. There will be no funeral home visitation or service.