Robert Giarrante Obituary

Robert L. "Bob" Giarrante
Born: October 20, 1944 in Joliet, Illinois
Died: March 27, 2026 in Minooka, Illinois
Robert (Bob) Louis Giarrante, age 81, of Joliet, Illinois, passed away surrounded by the love of his family on March 27, 2026.
Bob was born on October 20, 1944, in Joliet, Illinois, to Felix and Esther (née Pellegrini) Giarrante. He attended Sacred Heart Elementary School and graduated from Joliet Catholic High School, Class of 1962. Following high school, Bob became a barber and went on to open Giarrante's Barbershop, where he proudly worked for over 50 years. His barber chair became a place of friendship, laughter, and storytelling, and Bob formed lasting relationships with countless customers over the decades.
Bob's greatest love was his family. In January 1965, he married the love of his life, Fran, beginning a lifetime partnership built on love, devotion, and shared values. He was a devoted father to Anne (Greg) Scalia and Joe (Amanda) Giarrante, and a proud grandfather to Ava and Dominic Giarrante, who brought him immeasurable joy.
Bob is survived by his brother Tom Giarrante; sisters Mary Atwood, Roseanne (Bob) Moran, and Annette (Janet) Giarrante; and his sister-in-law Carole Giarrante. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends whose lives were enriched by his kindness and generosity.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Felix and Esther Giarrante; his brothers Donald Giarrante and Gordon Giarrante; his infant daughter Kimberly Giarrante; sisters-in-law Nola Giarrante and Rosemary Giarrante; and brothers-in-law David Atwood and Fred Weber.
Bob instilled strong morals and values in his children and grandchildren, teaching them kindness, dedication, resilience, and the importance of always showing up for the people you love. He was dependable, generous, and never hesitated to lend a helping hand.
Bob cherished the simple pleasures in life-taking his family out to eat or enjoying dinner at home, riding his golf cart, attending his children's and grandchildren's sporting events, award ceremonies, graduations, and birthday parties. He loved spending time with his family on vacations, relaxing on the patio, and embracing the crisp country air.
A lifelong lover of horses, Bob owned several thoroughbreds throughout his life and cherished spending time at the racetrack, win or lose. He also had a deep love for animals and cared for many over the years, including dogs, cats, goats, rabbits, and ponies. Though he often pretended to be upset when a "new" pet appeared at home, he inevitably fell in love with each one; especially his sweet companion Maggie.
Bob's life was rich with stories shared from behind his barber chair, friendships built over decades, and a steadfast devotion to family. His legacy of love, loyalty, hard work, and heart will live on in all who knew him.
Visitation for Bob will be held on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at Farkas Funeral Home, 3201 West Jefferson St. Joliet from 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at 9:15 AM from the funeral home to St. Mary's Catholic Church in Minooka for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00
AM. Interment to follow at St. Mary's Cemetery, Minooka.
Funeral Services under the direction of
Richard J. Tapella, Funeral Director.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks to please make a donation to Lightways Hospice-Joliet, who helped Bob and his family so graciously through this difficult time.