Lifelong Palos Park Resident Bob DeNovo Dies at 90

He was a lifelong resident who saw Palos Park evolve over generations and whose bravery begat the village's first fire department. Robert "Bob" DeNovo died April 14 at the age of 90. 

Mr. DeNovo was born on June 6, 1921, and called the village home his entire life. It was just last year that he was honored in .

He was a member of the Palos Park Historical Society and was dedicated to keeping the memories and history of the town he loved alive for generations to come.

It was in November of last year that he spoke to Patch about his .

Three things are most important in life, he said: “One of them is memory—and I forget the other two.”

Mr. DeNovo's largest mark on the village might be a single act of bravery. In 1952 he ran into a burning home at 86th Avenue and 122nd Street in an attempt to rescue 14-year-old Susan Firalyo.

Her death created a sense of urgency for DeNovo and fellow residents. He along with five other men established the first volunteer fire department in Palos Park. By 1956 the department was staffed by 40 volunteers. 

"We mourn his loss and we are forever grateful for his guidance, direction and leading by example," said Police Chief Joe Miller in a statement. "Bob was truly Palos Park's first, First Responder."

His wife Geraldine "Dollie" DeNovo, who died in 2006, was the author of  “The History of Palos Park” a compilation of the village's history that was released to celebrate the 75th anniversary of incorporation. 

Update: Mr. DeNovo is survived by his children Kathy Jo Williams and Dr. Robert C., Jr. (Nancy); his grandchildren William B. Williams, Jr., Robert C. (Jaime) DeNovo III, Robert F. (Katie) Williams and Kathryn M. (Jacob); his great-grandson Robert C. "Charlie" DeNovo; and sister-in-law Nancy Beadle.  

Visitation will be Friday, April 20 from 3 to 9 p.m. at Schmaedeke Funeral Home, 10701 S. Harlem Avenue. The funeral will be Saturday, April 21 with chapel prayers beginning at 9:15 a.m. from the funeral home. A Mass will take place at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of the Woods Catholic Church, 10731 W. 131st Street in Orland Park. Internment at Palos Oak Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Dollie and Bob DeNovo Shelter Medicine Scholarship Fund at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine c/o Development Office, 2407 River Dr., Knoxville, TN 37996-4550.