Robert Parks

Robert “Bob” Parks, 64, of Mt Morris passed unexpectedly on December 12, 2022.  He was born April 13, 1958, the son of Raymond and Brenda Parks. He lived in Rockford for many years, graduating from West High School in 1976.  He was active with the Track and Field team and competed in Cross Country events.  His name is on the WALL OF FAME at West for running the fastest mile in the history of the school as a sophomore.

Bob was continually active with the AA Community. He was a mentor and sponsor to many, and he chaired meetings at both the Winnebago and Ogle County jails.  Bob loved helping people and played a vital role in many members' lives and journey to sobriety. He stayed single until finding his own sobriety in 2000 and married Sandy Castillo on September 9, 2001.

Bob spent 46 years working as an architectural draftsman working for Larson and Darby, Rewerts Design Group, Rubloff Development, North Rock Real Estate and most recently for Next Gen Designs in Beloit. Bob designed over 200 custom homes at Next Gen for incredibly happy customers. He was remarkably successful in his career despite not attending college.

Bob was a diehard Green Bay Packers and St Louis Cardinals fan, to the dismay of his family growing up, eventually converting his sister Jodi to the Packers.

He is survived by his wife Sandy Parks, sons Rudy Castillo (Ali Marshall), and Marcelo Castillo (Meg Moorehead), Father Raymond Parks, sister Jodi (John) Garland, brother David Parks, grandchildren Katelyn Kirby, Wriglee and Emmett Castillo, niece Lyndsey (Nick) Schroeder, nephew Austin (Alyson) Daily, other nieces, nephews, cousins and MANY friends. He was predeceased by his beloved Mother Brenda Parks, stepson Billy Kirby, grandparents, aunts, uncles and others.

A memorial service and celebration of life will be held on Wednesday January 11, 2022 at 3:00 P.M. in the Lombardi Club of Rockford, 209 Olive St (at North Madison), Rockford, IL.  Details will be posted soon. Memorial contributions may be sent in Bob’s name to Eastside H.O.W. (AA facility) at 258 Phelps Ave, Rockford, IL 61108.  Cremation and arrangements are being handled by Finch Funeral Home, Mt Morris IL.

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