Robert W. DeLeon, 75, of Colona, passed away on Wednesday, March 11, 2020, at his home, surrounded by his loving family. A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, March 13, 2020, at Vandemore Funeral Homes & Crematory – Geneseo Chapel. Reverend Mark Horn will officiate. In lieu of flowers, it has been requested that memorials be made to the Henry County Humane Society – Geneseo, The Salvation Army, or the charity of the donor’s choice.
Bob was born June 21, 1944, the fourth child and first son, of Robert W. and Ruth Katherine (Warrington) DeLeon. Bob graduated from high school, class of 1962, in Baltimore, MD. He received an associate's degree from Towson University, Towson, MD. On May 12, 1990, he married the love and light of his life, Patricia “Patti” Hofreiter, at Colona Methodist Church. Bob loved and supported his wife, Pat, with all his heart, and all he could muster. Pat’s “SPIRIT” was a bright light in his life. He had a 35-year career with John Deere Construction and Forest Equipment Co., retiring in December 2001. His career started in Maryland, with transfers to Pennsylvania and Michigan, before concluding in Moline. Bob loved animals and went out of his way to feed and protect them. His connection to nature and animals helped him with his spirituality. He will be missed by his beloved dog, Baxter, who was his constant companion. Some of his sayings were appreciated by his family. Especially “Eighty percent of what you worry about never happens, and you can’t worry about the other twenty percent” and “This too shall pass”. He will be remembered for his warm heart, sharp wit, love of learning, and challenging himself. He was a member of the Colona Methodist Church. He was a friend of Bill W. for over 35 years. His hobbies included target shooting and collecting WWII era replica model airplanes. He had several types and styles of pocket and outdoor knives, making him a collector of collections.
Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife, Patricia; son, Darren (Julie) DeLeon, Geneseo; daughter, Andrea (Chris) DeLeon-Cortright, Baltimore, MD; stepsons, Jody (Valerie) Newkirk, Geneseo, Mike (Jaime) Newkirk, Geneseo, and Craig (Anastasiya) Newkirk, LeClaire, IA; grandchildren, Erica, Alex, Connor, Carson, Maddie, Gannon, Lauryn, Amber, Wyatt, Leo, and Autumn; great-grandchildren, Shelby and Chandler; sister, Joanne (Fred) Schiffnauer, Hellam, PA; two aunts; and several nieces and nephews.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Marlene and Yvonne, and nephews, Phillip M. Buzzuro and Scott R. Wells. Those that wish to leave a message of sympathy may do so by visiting www.vandemorefuneralhome.com.