Robert L. Dilley

March 27, 1943 - July 7, 2021

Robert L. Dilley, 78, of Springfield, died at 12:43 pm, Wednesday, July 7, 2021 at his home. He was born March 27, 1943 in Hillsboro, to Dale Robert and Flora Helen Balzarina Dilley. He married Rebecca I. Lott on November 17, 1973 and she preceded him in death on August 9, 2000.

Survivors include his six children, Michelle (Bobby) Glenn of Springfield, Robert D. (Kathy) Dilley of Jacksonville, Gary (Sandy) Dilley of Springfield, Danielle (Jerrod) Dilley of Rochester, Gina (Justin) Rhodes of New Berlin and Rebecca J. Dilley of Springfield; fifteen grandchildren, Nicholas, Breann (Landon), Robert, Kassandra, Gabrielle (Logan), Jackson, Jacob, Wyatt, Calvin, Mable, Allyssa, Caleb, Riley, Noelle, Kennedy, and Hazel; one great grandchild, Carlee; one brother, James (Cindy) Dilley of Springfield and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; two brothers, Reverend Gary Dilley and David Dilley and one sister, Patty Bolinger.

Robert was a US Air Force Veteran. He was a Springfield Police Officer for 25 years where he served as Assistant Deputy Chief and previously was Chief of Springfield Park District Police.

He served as a volunteer for the Salvation Army, 1st Night Springfield and the Police Officer Memorial.

Visitation: 4 – 7 pm Monday, July 12, 2021 at Staab Funeral Home – Springfield with a prayer service at 4 pm.

Funeral Mass: 10:30 am, Tuesday, July 13, 2021 at St. Aloysius Church with Reverend Christopher House officiating. Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery where military honors will be conducted.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Illinois Police Officer Memorial Committee at illinoispolicememorial.org.

CDC Protocol shall be followed.

Visitation Information

Date: Monday, July 12, 2021

Time: 04:00 pm - 07:00 pm

Staab Funeral Home - Springfield

Address:

1109 South Fifth Street

Springfield, Illinois 62703

217-528-6461 Map

Service Information

Date: Tuesday, July 13, 2021

Time: 10:30 am

St. Aloysius Catholic Church

Address:

2125 N 21st Street

Springfield , IL 62702

217-544-4553 Map

Cemetery Information

Camp Butler National Cemetery

Address:

5063 Camp Butler Road, Springfield, IL, 62707

(217) 492-4070 Map

Memorial Information

Memorial contributions may be made to the Illinois Police Officer Memorial Committee at illinoispolicememorial.org.

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Bill & Vikki Warren posted on 7/12/21

Mr. Dilley was such a sweet man & he always had such a sweet smile on his face, very kind & soft spoken- & have missed seeing him at church & around the neighborhood- May God have mercy upon his soul-- now he can be w/ your mom~~ Hugs, prayers & love to your family~~

Suzanne & Giovanni Colombo posted on 7/11/21

Sending our prayers and condolences on the passing of your dear dad! He was a man of faith who was devoted to his family and community. Bob always had a smile and a kind word for everyone. He will be welcomed “home” by your mom, and his many family and friends, as a “good and faithful servant” of our Lord.

Sheila Walk, Arts Council executive director posted on 7/11/21

Sgt. Dilley was a loyal and able volunteer for First Night Springfield. On December 31st, he arrived early and arranged his workspace in the Springfield Area Arts Council office, making sure he had immediate access to a telephone, a weather forecast, the event schedule, a contact list, and paper and pen, No matter what surprises the arts festival brought, Sgt. Dilley was a reassuring and courteous presence. The police officers on duty on New Year's Eve always came by the office to pay their respects to one who had served the city so long and so well. I am very glad to have known Sgt. Dilley, and I extend abiding sympathy to his family and friends. "The life we are given by nature is short, but the memory of life well spent is eternal." (Cicero)

Kevin Keen posted on 7/10/21

I had the pleasure of working with Bob in the Traffic Section at the SPD for many years and can testify that he was the reason so many special events and VIP visits, ranging from politicians to celebrities, in our city went so flawlessly. Bob drafted plans that included attention to detail to the most seemingly insignificant post. He was called upon by nearly every local agency to draw plans for their event, no matter how large or small because it was guaranteed that the event would be a success if the “Dilley plan” was followed. RIP Bob.

Judith (Judy) Meiron posted on 7/10/21

I have so many wonderful Memories of Bob (Dilley), when I was Exec.Director of LincolnFest. He organized all of the security for the event and he was very detailed. You didn't have to worry about anything. He will be greatly missed. Rest in peace Bob.

Bill Reid posted on 7/10/21

We were both at the grocery store a few weeks ago and he noticed someone had dropped their cellphone on the floor. He had me come pick it up and return it to the owner. Always willing to help other people.

Tracey Chambers posted on 7/9/21

We are so sorry for your loss. Sending thoughts and prayers to your family.

Gregg and Mary Finigan posted on 7/9/21

We are sorry for your loss! He was a great guy! He is back together with your sweet mom whom he missed so much! Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers!

Sally Thompson posted on 7/9/21

I am so sorry for your loss. I remember the days we use to share when your Mom was still with us. He will be greatly missed. Send you all love and prayers.

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