Robert "Bob" DiVita

Robert (Bob) DiVita 62, passed away on Thursday, August 9, 2018, with his family at his bedside.

Visitation will be from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. Monday, August 13, 2018 at Halligan McCabe Funeral Home, 614 Main Street, downtown Davenport with a short service immediately following.

Bob was born in Berwyn, Illinois, on August 16, 1955, to Fosco and Lita (Petri) DiVita. He grew up in an Italian household in Chicago. In 1978, he graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in engineering, and then relocated to Davenport, Iowa.  He spent his career working for Alcoa as a manufacturing engineer until he retired in 2010.

On October 4th, 1986, he married Sue Lewin.  Together, they had three children, Mike, Jenny, and Kelly.  He was a loving and engaged father, having actively participated in the growth and development of his children. He often volunteered as a coach for his children’s teams in basketball, baseball/softball, soccer, and volleyball. In this role he was well known for providing a necessary edge and passion for winning. Robert was just as passionate as a friend, staying actively involved with the many friends he made during his years at Alcoa, as well as with the friends made in sports leagues in his younger years, and friends made during coaching.

Bob was an avid sports fan and participant. He was a life-long fan of the big 4 Chicago sports franchises (Cubs, Bears, Blackhawks, Bulls). He frequently stated how fortunate he felt to have been alive to see a Cubs World Series win. He was also a die-hard University of Iowa athletics supporter, having been a season ticket holder with basketball and football for close to 30 years. Bob will continue to look down on these programs with hope of one day seeing Kirk Ferentz call a blitz.

Bob had been aggressively battling cancer for over 12 years. He and his family pursued many different treatment plans across the country that required incredible strength and determination to endure. His fighting spirit was obvious and carried those close to him through the difficult times.

Bob is survived by his wife of nearly 32 years, Sue DiVita, and their three children: Mike, Jenny (Tyler Brodell), and Kelly (Ryan Waack). He is also survived by his brother Glenn DiVita, his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Bette and Harvey Lewin, and brothers-in-law Kurt (Chris) Lewin and Steve Lewin, a niece, Katie Tschida and her family, and a nephew, Tom Lewin and his family. He was preceded in death by his parents. Bob is deeply loved and will be greatly missed by his wife, children, extended family and friends.

We would like to thank the hospice staff at Clarissa Cook Hospice, and are especially grateful for the care of our VNA nurse Andrea, Dr. Mario Sy and his staff, as well as Dr. Thomas Odorisio and Kimberly Miller, Dr. Henning Gerke, and Dr. Daniel Berg and Sharon Baumler.

Donations or memorials can be made to the Neuroendocrine Cancer Research Program at the University of Iowa.