Just a reminder that the memorial service for Bob Arbizzani is set for 2 p.m. Saturday, June 15, at the United Methodist Church of Geneva, 211 Hamilton St.
Here's the full obit:
Robert (Bob) Charles Arbizzani (Arbo), age 67 and lifelong resident of Geneva, Illinois, passed away peacefully at his home on May 29, 2013, after fighting a courageous battle with cancer.
A Memorial Service will be held at United Methodist Church of Geneva, 211 Hamilton St., on June 15 at 2 p.m., followed by a gathering of family and friends in the Fellowship Hall. The family will then host a reception at The Little Owl/Flagstone at 101-105 W. State St Geneva.
Bob was born in Geneva, and graduated from Geneva High School in 1964. He attended Doane College in Crete, Nebraska, where he was a member of Alpha Omega Fraternity and a star football athlete. He and his team were celebrated in the October 13, 1969 issue of Sports Illustrated magazine.
They were inducted into Doane’s Hall Of Fame in the Fall of 2010.
He graduated from Doane in 1968, and obtained a sales job in Dallas, Texas with Procter and Gamble. He met his wife Barbara Bennett in Dallas, and they were married on April 3rd, 1971 in McGregor, Texas.
In 1972, he returned to Geneva to work in the family business,The Little Owl Restaurant, with his brother-in-law Henry, sister JoAnn, and brother Timothy. He later became sole Owner/Operator and CEO of the Corporation until his death.
Bob was active in The Geneva Chamber Of Commerce, Geneva History Center, and a member of the Zoning Board of Appeals from 1991 to 2012. He was also an avidfisherman, voracious reader, and was passionate about all sports. His love of boating was apparent; he was a Charter boat Captain on Lake Michigan for many years.Bob's enthusiasm, dedication, and genuine commitment was the success of his restaurant, The Little Owl, and it's ultimate expansion to Flagstone, overseen by his sons.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Winifred (Hanny) and William (Bill) Arbizzani.
Bob is survived by his wife Barbara of 42 years, two sons, Chris, 39, and John, 36, both of Geneva, and siblings JoAnn Vanthornout, Richard (Dick) Arbizzani, Ronald (Ron) Arbizzani, Timothy (Tim) Arbizzani, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that Memorial donations be made to:
Rush University Medical Center For Lung Cancer Research
c/o Dr. Philip Bonomi
1700 W. VanBuren Street
Suite 250
Chicago, IL 60612
