Robert L. Williams

Robert L. Williams, 84, known as Bob, Bobby, Bobaloo, Dad, or Grandpa Bob to those who knew and loved him, died October 9, 2026 at his home in Denver. Born August 17, 1942 in St. Louis, Missouri, Bob was raised in southern Illinois, where he excelled at football, basketball, and baseball at University High School in Carbondale (as long as you don’t count the two times he broke his nose). He graduated from Southern Illinois University in 1971 with a bachelor of science in economics and business administration. Bob eventually lived in ten different states over his lifetime, thanks to his service as an electronic warfare systems specialist in the U.S. Air Force and his 30-year career in finance with the Federal Highway Administration. In his retirement, Bob sought out volunteer service roles with neighborhood associations and GEHA.

Bob was a top-notch problem solver, patient and stubborn enough to find a solution to any challenge that vexed him or a loved one. He enjoyed golfing, liked playing pinochle, got a kick out of grilling and cooking, assigned himself all kinds of home improvement projects, and adored his dog QT. Bob was an affectionate and dedicated father, and loved his girls with his whole heart. He delighted in spending time with his grandchildren, getting down on the floor to play with them when they were small, and being astonished at how tall they were as they grew. Perhaps Bob was happiest when he could be useful to his family, friends, and neighbors, whether by running an errand, fixing a problem, or doing a favor. He was known to drop everything to lend a hand to help someone he cared about. Bob once said he could do anything but sing, and his family believes he was absolutely right about that.

Bob married Kay Candiano in 2001 after a romance that turned two neighbors into a strong, happy, and devoted couple. Bob and Kay were married nearly 25 years, and counted many delightful evenings on the patio with a glass of wine and a little music among their happiest times together. As Bob’s Alzheimer’s disease advanced in his later years, Kay’s constant and comforting care gave Bob a wealth of peace, dignity, and joy.

Bob was preceded in death by his grandparents Robert and Mae Holland, his parents Betty and Chester Williams, his brothers Steve Williams and Bill Williams, and his daughter Amy Williams LeSeure. He is survived by his devoted and loving wife Kay Williams, his daughter Carrie Jordan, his son-in-law Matt Jordan, his stepdaughter Christa Sabatini, his son-in-law Todd Bell, his grandsons Leo Jordan and Felix LeSeure, and his granddaughter Vivienne Kay Sabatini.

In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Bob’s life with a donation to the Food Bank of the Rockies or to the capital campaign of St. Gianna Beretta Molla Catholic Parish of Denver.