Robert Lombardi
Edwardsville | Save
Robert Paul Lombardi, 93, of Edwardsville, Illinois, passed away at 10:25 p.m. on Sunday, July 12, 2026, at Anderson Hospital in Maryville. He was born on March 13, 1933, in Granite City, Illinois, a son of the late Arthur and Libby (Santagato) Lombardi.
Bob, affectionately known as “Lefty”, was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, businessman, veteran, and friend whose life was defined by faith, family and hard work. The son of Italian immigrants, he inherited from his parents a strong work ethic, deep Catholic faith, and a profound appreciation for family that would guide him throughout his life.
A proud graduate of Granite City High School, Bob was a member of the school's 1948 State Championship baseball team, which accentuated his love for watching his grandkids' sports throughout his life. He honorably served his country during the Korean War before graduating from Saint Louis University in 1959.
After attending St. Louis University, he worked at Phelan Paint Company and Granite City Steel, but he always dreamed of owning his own business. That dream became reality on April 1, 1964, when he purchased Simpson's Paint Store in Granite City and launched Lombardi Interiors with only $250 in the cash drawer. What began as a small paint and wallpaper store grew into one of the premier decorating centers in the Metro East. Together, Bob and his beloved wife, Kathy, transformed their business into a family enterprise that served homeowners, businesses, restaurants, churches, and public institutions for more than five decades. In 2002, his oldest son, Rob, purchased the business, allowing Bob to continue doing what he loved most.
Father and son worked side by side for more than twenty years, a chapter of Bob's life that brought him tremendous pride and joy. The business remained a true family endeavor, with Kathy as his partner and all four of his children contributing to the success of Lombardi Interiors over the years.
The love story between Bob and Kathy began as young sweethearts and grew into a remarkable partnership that spanned a lifetime. She was truly the love of his life and his partner in every sense of the word. Together they built a family, a business, and a legacy rooted in faith, sacrifice, and unconditional love. Whether working side by side in the store, attending grandchildren's events, taking evening walks, or simply holding hands, they demonstrated what a lifelong marriage should look like.
Bob never met a stranger. He had a gift for making people feel welcome, whether they were longtime friends, customers, or someone he had just met. He loved conversation, especially if it involved family, food, golf, or current events. A faithful reader of The Wall Street Journal, he remained curious and engaged with the world throughout his life. Family gatherings were important to Bob. Every meal began with prayer and often ended with one of his heartfelt speeches reminding everyone of the importance of family. He delighted in watching his children, grandchildren, and eventually great-grandchildren grow and thrive. He and Kathy could be found at countless baseball games, basketball games, tennis matches, swim meets, soccer games, golf tournaments, volleyball matches, choir concerts, graduations, and other activities, cheering from the stands and celebrating every accomplishment. In recent years, he especially enjoyed spending time with his great-grandchildren.
Bob loved the simple pleasures of life: Wednesday golf league outings well into his nineties, caring for his property from the seat of his tractor, evening walks with Kathy, cooking family recipes, singing and dancing with Kathy and his grandchildren, sharing stories, and enjoying an ice cream sundae or favorite sweet treat. Whether it was homemade spaghetti sauce, fresh bread, a hot dog from a favorite stop, or a scoop of Oberweis ice cream, Bob found joy in life's everyday blessings.
Throughout his life, Bob also dedicated himself to serving his community. He was active in the Tri-City Chamber of Commerce, where he served as a member and Vice President, was recognized as "Small Business of the Month," served on the Board of Directors of Central Bank, and was an Advisory Board Member for St. Elizabeth Medical Center, where he helped lead fundraising efforts for the Koch Center. The highlight of his professional and civic career was his appointment to the Southwest Illinois Development Authority (SWIDA) as one of four local members selected by Madison County Board Chairman Nelson Hagnauer. During his tenure as both a board member and Chairman, the Authority helped bring transformative projects to Southern Illinois, including the Clark Bridge replacement in Alton, the joint-use agreement with Scott Air Force Base, improvements for the Tri-City Housing Authority, the SIUE Track and Field Stadium, Eden Village Retirement Community, Casino Queen development, a Veterans Home, an ethanol production facility, and numerous school bond initiatives that helped communities build new schools. Bob took great pride in helping create opportunities that strengthened the region he loved and called home.
Above all else, Bob was a man of faith. He believed that family was God's greatest gift and lived every day in a manner that reflected gratitude for those blessings. His legacy lives on in the values he instilled, the family he cherished, the business he built, and the countless lives he touched through his kindness and example. Though his family mourns his passing, they find comfort in knowing that he lived a full and beautiful life and that his enduring lessons of faith, love, hard work, and family will continue to guide future generations.
In addition to his beloved wife of 60 years, Kathy, he is survived by his four children and their spouses, Dina and Trevor Trimpe of Edwardsville, Robert Lombardi II of St. Louis, Missouri, Meghan and Rick Daily of Granite City, and Joseph and Christine Lombardi of Edwardsville; thirteen grandchildren and spouses, Grace Trimpe, Zachary Trimpe, Chloe Trimpe, Madeline Lombardi, Emily Lombardi and Andrew Rodgers, Danny Lombardi, Josh Lombardi, Cody and Sophie Daily, Jacob and Taylor Daily, Abbie and Cole Lionberger, Ben Lombardi, Anna Lombardi, and Max Lombardi; five great-grandchildren, Bo, Jett, Cal, Myles, and a baby girl on the way; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Marilyn and Bill Kortkamp of Lake of St. Louis, Missouri; sister-in-law, Sharon Hillmer of Granite City; many nieces and nephews; extended family; and many dear friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law, Michael and Lora Lombardi; and four sisters and brothers-in-law, Ann and Chris Hamilos, Delores and Bruce Mort, Mary and Jim Germanese, and Virginia and Gene Roberts.
In celebration of Robert’s life, visitation will be held at Irwin Chapel, 591 Glen Crossing Road in Glen Carbon, on Sunday, July 19, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Boniface Catholic Church, 110 N. Buchanan Street in Edwardsville, at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 20, 2026, with Father Jeff Goeckner as celebrant. Burial will follow at Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Edwardsville. Memorial donations may be made to Father McGivney Catholic High School or Masses. Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.irwinchapel.com.
Irwin Chapel Funeral Home
