Robert Warren Goldstead, age 74, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 25, 2024 in his home in Wheaton, IL, with his daughter by his bedside.

Born on December 28, 1949 in Oak Park, IL, to Warren and Shirley (née Seib) Goldstead, Robert was a kind and gentle soul with a wonderful sense of humor. He is preceded in death by his parents and his son, Eric Robert Goldstead; and survived by his daughter, Catherine Laura Goldstead, and his sister, Janice Laurel DeVylder (née Goldstead).

Some of Robert's best childhood memories were of fishing and boating on Thunder Lake in Minnesota with his cousins, uncles, and aunts. He graduated in 1968 from Glenbrook South High School in Glenview, IL, after transferring from the overcrowded Glenbrook High School (now Glenbrook North). In Urbana-Champaign, IL, he studied Architecture at the University of Illinois.

Robert was a licensed architect who designed commercial high rise construction projects for well-known Chicago firms Perkins & Will and Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. He ultimately became a project manager for Northwestern University, where he oversaw the construction and renovation of buildings on the Evanston campus.

In his early adulthood, Robert enjoyed traveling across the United States and as far overseas as Europe and Taiwan. His favorite city, apart from Chicago, was Venice, Italy.

Robert's pride and joy in life were his two children, with whom he shared many creative hobbies, such as painting and drawing, as well as a deep appreciation of music, film, and vintage cars.

In retirement, Robert dedicated himself to caring for his son, and educating himself about and advocating for mental health care. His warm nature and encouraging spirit were an unwavering comfort for many. His positivity and good humor also carried him through his final years, as he bravely fought cancer. Robert's legacy of kindness and empathy live on in the hearts of family and friends.

A private memorial service will be held for family and close friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to the American Cancer Society (ACS) and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).