Robert Southworth

Robert Allen “Bob” Southworth, 76, of Belleville, IL, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, October 18, 2025, surrounded by his family. Bob was born in Belleville on June 1, 1949, to Allen and Thora, nee Sveinson, Southworth.

As a young man Bob earned his Eagle Scout badge and was a member of the first graduating class of Belleville East. He tended bar at his father’s tavern, The 114 Club. He went to Belleville Area College where he met Patricia Kennedy, his beloved wife of 52 years. They married on a warm evening June 30, 1973.

Bob earned a degree in computer science from North Central University in Naperville and began his career with Bell Labs. He later returned to Belleville and continued his work in St. Louis as a systems analyst. He retired from Mastercard in 2007.

From an early age Bob loved photography. Capturing small, but meaningful moments delighted him. He particularly liked to shoot weddings, and for many years he had a small, successful wedding photography business in addition to his corporate career.

Bob loved talking to people and telling terrible jokes. He was disarmingly charming, silly, and always interested in others, hearing their stories, and sharing a laugh.

He was a deeply caring husband and wonderful, devoted father and will be greatly missed by his wife, Pat, and his children: daughter, Rhiannon (Leo) Chavez, and son, Aaron (Melissa Sheils) Southworth, and grandchildren, Elijah Reynolds and Everly Southworth. He leaves with a lifetime of treasured friendships, many memories of good times, and a deep love from his family.

Memorials may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.

Funeral: Private funeral services will be held.

Bob loved a good party and to honor his memory a celebration of life will be held at Fletcher’s Kitchen and Tap at Clinton Hills Drive in Swansea starting at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, November 8, 2025.

Obit Provided By:
Renner Funeral Home