Robert Mora Rocha, 81, of Roscoe, passed away Saturday, September 27, 2014. Born February 8, 1933, in Chicago, he was the son of Serapio and Refugia (Mora) Rocha.
Robert earned a bachelor's degree in Biology at Howard Payne University. He moved to Rockford where he worked with the Winnebago Department of Health as an inspector for several years. Robert was one of two selected by Gov. Richard Ogilvy as supervisors for the newly formed Illinois EPA, and then served as regional supervisor for the Illinois Department of Public Health Long-Term Care Division for more than 25 years.
He retired in 1998. Robert helped found the original La Voz Latina and served as the president of its board of directors. Robert emceed a Sunday morning Spanish language music program on WRRR Radio.
An avid Chicago Bears and Cubs fan, He coached the Rockford Royals pony league baseball team for 19 years, taking one team to the nationals.
Robert was a member of Creekwood Baptist Church. He liked playing golf, traveling, and dining out, but most of all, he loved his family.
Survivors include his wife, Toni; sons, Robert Rocha, Rene (Kathleen) Rocha; daughters, Nydia Weems (Padraig Buckley), Nadean (Dr. Martin) Brantner, Margaret (Dan) Gildea; stepsons, Dan Draheim (Jill Kincannon), Joe (Tammi) Draheim; sisters, Eloisa Gonzales, Connie Bruno, Elvira Lara; 17 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; many nephews, nieces, and cousins.
Robert was predeceased by his parents; wives, Rosa and Margaret; brother, Albert Rocha; sisters, Lydia Reyes, and Minnie Rodriguez.
Funeral service 11 a.m. Saturday, October 4, at Creekwood Baptist Church, 7281 Olde Creek Road; Pastor Darren Loeppky officiating. Visitation one hour prior to service. Entombment in Sunset Memorial Gardens.
Online condolences may be submitted at sunsetfhmemgardens.com