Robert Benjamin Lear, 94, of Belvidere passed away peacefully, Monday, August 31, 2015 in Belvidere. Bob was born in his grandmother's house in Belvidere on June 2, 1921. His loving parents were Benjamin and Grace (Kiester) Lear. He was a lifelong resident of Belvidere, leaving only to serve his country as a Navy pilot during WWII and to go to watch making school. He married the love of his life, Ruth Swanson, on January 25, 1944 after receiving his commission as Ensign. She was able to accompany him during the rest of his service. Bob and Ruth owned and operated Lear's Jewelry Store in Belvidere for 43 years. They were always very involved in the community. Bob was a charter member of the IOU club. A lifetime member of the YMCA, Bob worked tirelessly to get the new YMCA building. Bob also was involved in organized the Belvidere Sesquicentennial celebration. As an active member of the Boone County Historical Society, one of Bob's proudest accomplishments was serving on the Board during the Museum's renovation.

Bob and Ruth enjoyed traveling with friends, fishing trips, flying in his plane, and good times at the cottage on the lake. He spent his retirement on his little piece of heaven in the country surrounded by his orchard and gardens.

They were the proud parents of his twin daughters, Sally (Peter) Tirrell and Sherry Lindquist, and grandparents to Erik and Adam Lindquist; and Perry and Jeremy Tirrell, who survive him along with granddaughter-in-laws; Collins Hollingsworth (Erik Lindquist) and Laura (Perry) Tirrell, and Deanna (Jeremy) Tirrell. Bob is also survived by great grandchildren, Sarah and James (Perry and Laura) and Charlotte (Jeremy and Deanna). He is survived by his older sister, Grace Adele Long. Ruth has gone before him on February 26, 2007.

Memorial gathering will be held from 1:00-3:00 P.M., Saturday, September 12, 2015 at Anderson Funeral and Cremation Services, 218 W. Hurlbut Ave, Belvidere, IL 61008. Private burial will take place in Belvidere Cemetery. The family requests that memorials may be given in memory of Robert Lear to the Swedish American Foundation for the Belvidere Inpatient Unit. To light a candle or share a condolence, please visit www.AndersonFCS.com.