Robert A. Schillaci

Robert Anthony Schillaci passed away peacefully at his home on the morning of Friday, June 5, 2026, with his two daughters by his side. He was 83 years old.

Bob was born in Chicago, Illinois on February 27, 1943, to the late Frank and Jean Schillaci. He was one of eight children.

At the age of 21, he enrolled in the Chicago Board of Trade's School and joined Local 191 as an apprentice for the Painters and Decorator's Union. He graduated in 1967 and was transferred to Journeyman, under Local 273. Before retiring in 2007, Bob ran his own company, Pop's Painting.

Bob was helping at his dad's bar in Chicago, when he saw a beautiful brunette across the room. He knew he had to meet her. He met Linda and they were married in 1976. They moved out to the suburbs to start a family. Bob and Linda had two daughters and their family was complete.

They had a permanent campsite at a campground and went every weekend. Bob was a storyteller who loved to make his friends and family laugh. He was the life of the party. Every year, he took the family up north to Mercer, WI. He couldn't wait to get in a boat out on Lake of the Falls. He loved to fish.

In 1999, Bob was given the new title, grandpa. His granddaughter was born and she was his princess. She named him Papa and had him wrapped around her little finger. In 2010, he got his boy, Jesse. He was the blue-eyed, sweetest little thing you would ever meet. And Papa finally had it all.

Dad had been holding strong since the loss of Mom in 2022. He loved all of us, but he missed her so much. He was a man that only knew how to work hard for his family. Retirement never really suited him. He just wanted Mom, and to go back to work.

And in the end, Bob Schillaci showed them all, and did it................his way.

We will always love you dad.

Robert is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Linda; his parents; three brothers; and numerous sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.

He is survived by his daughter Shannon (Shawn) Vanderlois; daughter Desiree' (Mike) McClarren; granddaughter Jordan (Michael Tanner) Schillaci; and grandson Jesse McClarren.

A funeral service for Robert will be held on Sunday, June 14, at 3:00 PM, at Wichmann Funeral Home, 537 N. Superior St, Appleton. A visitation will be held prior from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM