Robert Francis Ellsworth

Robert “Bob” Francis Ellsworth of Palos Park, Illinois, passed away on Mother’s Day, May 12, 2024, weeks shy of his 92nd birthday.  He was surrounded by his loving family in his home of 36 years.
 
Robert was born the youngest of five children to the late William and Agnes Ellsworth in Chicago on June 6, 1932.  Very early in his life, he lost his brother William and his father to illness.  To support her family, his mother placed her four remaining children in an orphanage while she completed her nursing certificate.  One year later, she was able to bring her children home.  He told fond stories of growing up with his siblings on the city's Northside.  Robert excelled in academia and athletics.  He attended DePaul Academy for high school, and earned a scholarship to DePaul University, thus becoming the first Ellsworth to attend college.  He graduated from DePaul University with a BA in Mathematics in 1954. He was the “cool” uncle and often drove his nieces and nephews around in his hardtop convertible.  He lived with his mother until he met the love of his life, Carol Powell, at age 30.  She was impressed with his ability to make a plan and his perseverance. She fell in love despite him being a Northsider.  He loved her smile, that she had something to say, and had a good appetite.  Bob and Carol were married in December of 1963 and weathered many storms over their 60 years of marriage.  They had a lot of good times together and made many lifelong friends.  They parented six boys before they had lucky numbers 7 and 8 (the girls they hoped for). They traveled the world together.  In the middle of it all, Bob completed his MBA from DePaul University in 1968 and founded Key Insurance Agency in 1974.  During those early years, he coached several of his children and many children in the community.  Later, he was proud that several of his sons worked beside him at his agency, building upon his legacy. Robert was lovingly known as “Papa” to his 16 grandchildren. They enjoyed reading books on his lap, and he loved watching them perform and play sports.  
 
Robert was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings, Agnes, William, Lorraine, and John, and an infant daughter, Ann Carol.  
 
Robert is survived by his wife of 60 years, Carol Ellsworth (nee Powell); their children, Robert (Emilia) Ellsworth, Christopher Ellsworth, Timothy (Laura) Ellsworth, John (Olga) Ellsworth, Michael (Caroline) Ellsworth, Daniel (Dorian) Ellsworth, Kathleen (Einar) Olsen, and Margaret (Adam) Pack; 16 grandchildren, Charles, Andrew, Lucy, Kathleen, Madeline, Rosemary, Daniel, Elizabeth, Abigail, Connor, Anne, Ella, Boris, Carol, Truman, and August. 
 
To know him was to know kindness, stoicism, and a quiet resilience.  He was a consistent presence in his family’s life and remained active until the end.  He always let us know we were loved and that he was proud of all his children.  His favorite things were Beefeater Gin martinis, the TV remote control, following the Chicago Bears and Cubs, and his dog, Hannah. His life and death was a triumph, and the long-living patriarch of the Ellsworth family will be greatly missed.
 
In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Chicago Bears quarterback search fund would be appreciated... or, please consider a donation to the Susan G. Komen Foundation or another charity of your choice.