Robert DePaolo's Obituary
Robert T. DePaolo Sr., 91, of Vandalia, IL, passed away on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at SBL Fayette County Hospital Long Term Care.
Per Bob’s wishes, cremation rites will be accorded. A private Memorial Mass will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorials may be made to the Vandalia Lions Club. Online condolences can be expressed at www.hohltandfilefh.com.
Robert Thomas DePaolo Sr. was born on July 02, 1933 in St. Louis, MO, the son of Thomas Dominic and Verona (O’Frenzo) DePaolo. He married his childhood sweetheart, Carol Jeanne Lathrop on October 10, 1953 in Beverly Hills, MO. Together they celebrated 70 years of marriage and raised four children; she preceded in death on December 10, 2023.
Bob was the first generation of the DePaolo family born in America; his father immigrated to the United States from Introdacqua, Italy in the early 1900’s. In his early life, Bob attended Blessed Sacrament Grade School and McBride High School in St. Louis, MO. He was quite the athlete, lettering in numerous sports. Bob went on to play minor league baseball with the New York Giants and semi-pro in St. Louis followed by one year with the Moultrie, Georgia Giants. Unfortunately, his baseball career ended due to an injury.
After baseball, Bob worked for Sears & Roebuck, Union Electric, and as an electrician (Local #1). He later joined Barber-Colman, a temperature control company, where he served as a serviceman, designer, and eventually a sales engineer. During this time, Bob spent 9 years in the National Guard in which he attained the rank of Master Sergeant, took courses at Washington University, and attended Hadley Vocational School, all while he and Carol were raising their four children. In 1971, they moved to Vandalia where Bob opened a store, DePaolo’s Floor Covering, which still remains in the family.
As a business owner and resident of Vandalia, Bob liked to have community involvement. He was a member of Mother of Dolors Catholic Church, was active in the Knights of Columbus Council 4630 and the Vandalia Lions Club International. He served as Grand Knight, helped charter the 4th Degree Assembly 1934, and became its first Faithful Navigator. Bob served as President of the Vandalia Lions Club and held the role of District Governor from 1996 to 1998. He was also a Trustee for the Lions of Illinois Foundation and served on various committees. In his spare time, he enjoyed bowling, golfing, reading, and playing cards.
Mr. DePaolo is survived by his children, Robert (Gail) DePaolo, Jr., Deanna (Carl) Depew, Barbara (Tim) Henna, and Antonia (Jeff) Mefford; grandchildren, Tom DePaolo (Julie), Dustin Sefton (Jessica), Jenny Sefton (Becca), Brooke Bennett (Amanda), Monica Castleman (Matt), Joetta Yarbrough, Ryan Mefford (Kearstin), Taylor Mefford (David), and Nicholas DePaolo (Jenna); step- grandchildren, Ashley Blankenship (Adam), Katie Tate, Alex Mills (Blake), Allyson Crabtree (Gage) and Miles Depew; great-grandchildren, Anna, Cole, Kennidee, Todd, Avery, Cooper, Gus, Ruby, Katy, Sydney, Grady, Delta, Jacob, Kamdyn, Mia, Gwendolyn, Juniper, Braelyn, Harper, and Asher; step-great-grandchildren, River, Reagan, Briggs, Emery, Leo, Bennett, Miley, Regan, Charlie, and Jordan; extended family & many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; sister, Beatrice “Betty” DeBord; and a granddaughter, Darcey DePaolo.
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