Robert Eugene Congiardo

Robert Eugene Congiardo, 89, of Carterville, passed away at his home on Friday, August 22, 2025, surrounded by his family.

Memorial service will be held at 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at Riggin-Pillatsch & Burke Funeral Home in Carterville, with Arthur Mize officiating.  Military services will be conducted by the Carterville American Legion Post and Herrin V.F.W. Post following the service.  Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions can be made to the First United Methodist Church in Carterville.

Robert was born on July 17, 1936, in Murphysboro, to Joseph Peter and Aleda Louise (Sauter) Congiardo.  He married Sandra K. Stubblefield on September 28, 1973, in Nashville, Illinois. 

He is survived by his wife, Sandra; son, Adam (Angela) Congiardo; daughter, Gina (Michael) Ferraro; grandchildren, Sydne Congiardo, Mia Congiardo, James Ferraro, and Caroline Ferraro; nephew, Mark (Nancy) Congiardo.

He was preceded by his parents, and brother and sister-in-law, Joel and Sue Congiardo.

Prior to his employment at SIU, Robert worked at Quality Sheet Metal in Carbondale for several years. He worked for 13 years as a draftsman and estimator at the physical plant of Southern Illinois University, retiring in 1992. Following that, he continued to work in the janitorial department at the Williamson County Airport, where he served for 10 years before retiring again in 2012.

A proud veteran, Robert honorably served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict.

He was a devoted member of the First United Methodist Church in Carterville, where he thoroughly loved singing in the choir, and actively participated in the Carterville Lions Club.

Robert found great joy in the outdoors and his hobbies—he enjoyed deer hunting, building and flying model airplanes, reading, fishing with his hand-crafted lures, and cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals. He also shared many happy years square dancing with his wife as part of the Carbondale Promenades.

Above all, Robert treasured his family. He was a constant presence in their lives, faithfully attending any event or activity they were involved in.

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