Robert Polistina
d. February 24, 2019
Robert Polistina, age 83, of Sherman, passed away on Sunday, February 24, 2019 at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield.
He was born August 5, 1935 in Springfield, Illinois, the son of Carmen and Lena (Gazza) Polistina. Robert served in Europe as a Medic for the United States Army from 1958 through 1960.
Robert is survived by his children, Terry (wife Teresa) Polistina and Tammy (husband Ray) Brown; sister, Rose Bryant; grandchildren, Damon (wife Katie) and Amanda; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Nene, Frank, Jimmy, Rocco, Mott, and Rossie.
Robert worked as a salesman for Swift & Company and a meat buyer for the State of Illinois. He was a member of Knights of Columbus in Riverton and a volunteer fireman for the Sherman Volunteer Fire Department. He was also a member of St. John Vianney Church in Sherman.
Robert was an avid fisherman and traveler. He was a fanatic for the St. Louis Cardinals and University of Illinois.
Visitation for Robert will be held on Tuesday, February 26, 2019 from 4:00 until 7:00 PM at Mott & Henning Funeral Home in Athens. Funeral mass will be held St. John Vianney Church on Wednesday, February 27 at 10:30 AM with Rev. George Neillikunnel officiating.
Burial will be held at 12:00 PM at Camp Butler National Cemetery in Springfield with military rites being performed.
Memorials can be given to St. John Vianney Church.
Mott & Henning Funeral Home is assisting the family. On-line condolences can be shared at www.mottandhenning.com.
Condolences
Leave your Condolence
Your email is never published or shared. Required fields are marked (required)
Guestbook
Visits: 6
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Posted February 25th, 2019 at 2:43 pm
I will miss you forever Robert.
Posted February 25th, 2019 at 5:18 pm
Our deepest sympathies go out to Terry, Teresa and the whole family. May God give you the comfort and peace and may the soul of Mr Robert rest in peace. Eduard and Tatiana Roosli
Posted February 25th, 2019 at 5:55 pm
Sincerest sympathy. Will surely miss Robert. Had many laughs with him. Terry and Tammy, you are in our prayers as you navigate through this difficult time.
Posted February 25th, 2019 at 6:22 pm
Rose so sorry that you lost your brother Robert. He was a good person and a great friend. I remember him, Rossie, Adolph, Melvin & I one time when we went to the State Fair & Robert & I ran around cause we couldn’t find the others. Then. When the Polio epidemic was around fair time mom wouldn’t let us go so she bought us a. Couquet set to entertain ourselves. I miss everyone they are all leaving. I hope I feel better so I can go to the funeral I have a horrible cold. Don’t want to infect everyone.. Take care will remember you in my prayers.
Posted February 25th, 2019 at 7:11 pm
Words cant express how saddened we are to hear of your loss
Posted February 26th, 2019 at 5:34 am
My condolences to your family. May the hope expressed at Job 14:13-15 give you some comfort for your great loss.
Posted February 26th, 2019 at 6:21 am
What a brave fight, he fought.
Such a up beat gentlemen. Always wanting to help others. He really enjoyed life and lived it.
Going to miss u here. But I will b seeing you one day. -Jackie-
Posted February 26th, 2019 at 7:54 am
My deepest sympathies to the family of Robert Polistina. A great man with so many contributions to those around him. Praying that the beautiful memories will comfort you.
Posted February 26th, 2019 at 8:36 am
Great guy!!! The Walmart will never be the same without Robert doing his exercise there. My sympathy to all the family.
Posted February 26th, 2019 at 8:40 am
We are so sorry to read about Robert. We have such great memories of sitting on the front porch visiting. We send love and prayers to Rose, Terry, Tammy and families.
Posted February 26th, 2019 at 9:04 am
Robert was the kind of man and dad we could all look up to, learn, laugh and be happy to be around. We will miss him. Hopefully he will meet up with Elvis now and they can ride around in their Cadillacs! Dave Lumley.
Posted February 26th, 2019 at 9:17 am
Terry and Teresa,
Our deepest sympathies to you and your family. I know how much your father meant to you and all the times you guys talked sports. I only met him once but I remember his quick wit and humor. I know he will be missed. We will pray for him and you.
Posted February 26th, 2019 at 10:56 am
We are all very sad that Bobby has passed on. It was remarkable to us how a person could connect with people across such a wide age group with such ease. The impression he made on our then 5 year old son Cole(now 8) after spending an afternoon boating with us created what Cole hoped would be a life long friendship. May he Rest In Peace knowing he was loved by many and made wonderful lasting impressions on those fortunate enough to know him.
Posted February 26th, 2019 at 4:04 pm
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. God Bless
Posted February 27th, 2019 at 10:55 am
On behalf of my family (Sandy Harvey-Whisler and James Whisler) I would like to extend our most sincere sympathies to the entire Polistina family. It is our most fervent prayer that God wraps his loving arms around all of you and provides you with strength and comfort in the weeks and months ahead. After having lost my mother, I discovered that you learn so much about your loved ones contributions and positive impacts on others in their death, than while they were alive. Just when you think that Robert is gone, he will appear in the form of a cardinal, a butterfly, or a memory that you least expect and it will come out of nowhere. Robert was instrumental in being a strong support system for my mother when she was alive and for that I will always be grateful. Robert was a “Welcome Committee” all on his own, as he made everyone feel as though they were loved and valued. Robert was so engaging, making everyone feel comfortable to talk to him and confide in him their true feelings, which is a rare and refreshing quality. As you travel down your own journey of grief, remember that Robert has not left your side, but merely taken on a new residence on the other side of the veil that is death….he is just in the next room, watching over you, and protecting you, in the Kingdom of Heaven. Until our family chain links again…..Rest in eternal peace, Robert and thank you for being in my life…
Posted February 27th, 2019 at 7:17 pm
Dear Terry and Teresa,
I’m sorry to hear this news, and my deepest condolences to you both. I know he was a very important part of your life and you had fun together — I remember hearing about the NCAA trips to Las Vegas! It’s a tribute to him that he had a son who spent so much time with him and was so close to him! My prayers are with him and both of you — Nathan Fagre
Posted March 1st, 2019 at 9:51 am
Sad to read of your loss and sorry I was unable to personally extend my deepest sympathy. Robert was a great person and so caring of others. His visits to the Villa were so uplifting to the residents and Bill always looked forward to his visits. I had the pleasure of knowing the entire family over the years and they were a great family. Robert was so proud of his children and I know good memories will always keep him in your hearts. May God be with you. Edna Seipel
Posted March 3rd, 2019 at 5:05 pm
We just heard the sad news. We have many fond memories of Robert. Sending our deepest sympathies to all his family and friends.
Posted March 4th, 2019 at 5:05 pm
Oh God forbid.I been phoning you off & on and no answers for a while now.
I googled you just today and got the bad news.
Your 1st cousin
Sam
Posted March 8th, 2019 at 7:13 pm
Thanks to everyone who celebrated Dad’s life with us. We’re blessed and grateful for friends and family, the good times we shared and your support.
Peace and love