Robert Paul Smyth

Robert Paul Smyth, age 66, passed away on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, with his wife Evelyn at his side after bravely battling cancer for 6 years.

Rob grew up on the west shore of Third Lake with his brothers, Tim, Mike, and Eric and developed a love for ice hockey at an early age, playing throughout his school years and serving as captain his senior year.

Academically accomplished, Rob graduated from Grayslake High School as a member of the National Honor Society while taking classes in Electricity/Electronics at Waukegan Area Vocational School.  After high school, Rob earned a degree in Finance from Northeastern Illinois University, an MBA from DePaul University, and a JD/LLM from John Marshall Law School.

Rob’s diverse interests and curiosity led him to manage commercial rental properties, conduct financial audits for the State of Illinois, teach law students, and practice civil appeals law in Elgin.

Rob was married to Evelyn for 34 wonderful years and maintained close family relationships.

Rob’s inquisitive mind was displayed as he enjoyed diagnosing and repairing radios, amplifiers, garden tractors, boats, and cars. He was musically talented, playing piano and drums, composing and recording pop music with numerous copyrights.

Rob was interested in spiritual things and loved outdoor activities such as cutting grass, building bonfires, and enjoying simple pleasures like roasted corn.

Rob is survived by his loving wife, Evelyn (Hook) Smyth; mother, Edna (Behm) Smyth; brothers, Tim (Sandi), Mike (Pilar), and Eric (Rose); in-laws Bob and Jackie Hook. He also leaves behind many cherished nieces and nephews.  Rob was preceded in death by his father, Paul Smyth, and in-laws, George and Catherine Hook.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Rob’s memory are suggested to the Brain and Spine Institute at MD Anderson Cancer Center (MDAnderson.org) or Integrated Palliative & Hospice Home Healthcare Services, Libertyville, IL (Ihhscorp.com).

A memorial will be held Saturday, August 9, 2025, at Brittane's Event Center, 5101 Washington Street, Suite 30, Gurnee, IL, doors open at 12:00 pm with a memorial service from 1:00 pm until 1:30 pm, lunch to follow concluding at 3pm.

Arrangements entrusted to Sambrano Funeral & Cremation, Gurnee, IL. You may sign the online guestbook at LauraSambranoFunerals.com; 847-571-7719.