MAYOR THADDEUS JONES ANNOUNCES THE SUDDEN PASSING OF THE CALUMET CITY INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DIRECTOR
MAYOR THADDEUS JONES ANNOUNCES THE SUDDEN PASSING OF HIS LONG TIME FRIEND AND CALUMET CITY INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DIRECTOR
ROBERT McGEE SUCCUMBS AT 50
“ROBERT WAS THE EPITOME OF EXCELLENCE, WISDOM, AND LOVE OF COMMUNITY”
(Calumet City, Illinois) – Thaddeus Jones - Mayor of Calumet City, Illinois - regretfully is announcing the sudden passing of the on-site Calumet City Director of Information Technology, Robert McGee. On October 6th, Director McGee suddenly passed away while doing what he was firmly focused upon and genuinely loved, performing his duties at Calumet City City Hall.
Moreover, for Mayor Jones, Robert McGee was his best friend.
“Words could never describe the impact Rob had on me and my family. He was more like a real brother than just a best friend. He was a great uncle to my children and the best friend anyone could ever ask for. However, he was also a great IT Director for Calumet City.” says Mayor Jones.
Mayor Jones adds, “Rob single-handedly transitioned our aging computer system into a modern based user-friendly program that has equated to cost savings throughout our departments. His efforts and presence within our administration will be greatly missed. I did not lose just a great employee; I lost a best friend and great human being. On behalf of the entire Calumet City City Council and Administration, I want to extend our deepest condolences to his wife Latrice and his children Tia and RJ. Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal.”
Robert F. McGee affectionately known as “Big Rob” and “Rob Zilla,” was born July 12, 1972, in Chicago, Illinois. Robert was one of the youngest sons of Carl Jackson and Betty Jean McGee. Rob graduated from Corliss High School and went on to complete his education at South Suburban College. Big Rob did not stop there, he continued to complete various certifications which included Cybersecurity, Systems Auditor, and Information Security. He met the love of his life, Latrice Fitzgerald, in 1997 and involved her in his ever-evolving world of politics and IT. Rob and Latrice married on October 6, 2002, and from their union, Robert F. McGee, Jr. (RJ) and Tia McGee were born.
While in student government at South Suburban College, Big Rob left his mark on various organizations and elected officials including Board President Frank Zuccarelli, former Congressman Mel Reynolds and former Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. It was also at South Suburban College where he met Thaddeus Jones, John Crawford, Phil Molfese, and Sean Long. They started what would become a political dynasty in the South Suburbs. Robert was the architect of starting the Young Democrats of Thornton Township and worked with youth in Harvey, IL, and other communities to expand the role of young Black men into politics. He was instrumental in the successful election of Thaddeus Jones as the First African American Alderman of Calumet City. Big Rob also served as the Campaign Manager for the successful election of Thaddeus as State Representative in 2010, and as the First Black Mayor of Calumet City in 2021.
In 2009, Big Rob also got the political bug, and was elected as one of three Trustees of Schools for School District 205. He received the highest vote total ever recorded in Thornton Township. This was a testament to his ability to connect with and mentor young people.
Rob was a dedicated father who could never had been so successful without the help and guidance of his loving wife Latrice. Their daughter Tia will be graduating with a degree in Criminal Justice from Syracuse University in the fall of 2023 and son RJ will be graduating from Tulane University with a degree in Finance in the fall of 2023. Rob was dedicated to RJ’s basketball career and helped steer him and his team to a Championship. This was one of Rob proudest moments.
At the time of his passing, Big Rob was doing what he loved best as the lead IT person at the City of Calumet City. He also worked at Experis, one of the leading IT companies in the Chicagoland area.
Rob leaves behind his loving wife Latrice Fitzgerald McGee, two children, Tia McGee and Robert F. McGee, Jr (RJ); six sisters Lenora Owens (Theo), Melva McGee, Alexandria Ousley, Kristina Fordham, Egypt Payne (Bryon), Mickayla Jones and five brothers Lashawn Pierre McGee (Nicole), Eric Verdell McGee, Rassan Jackson, David Mackey (Tracy), Edmond Fordham.
Services for Robert McGee are as follows:
Visitation
Friday, October 14th 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church, 5112 W. Washington, Chicago, Illinois
Wake and Funeral Service
Saturday, October 15th 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church, 5112 W. Washington, Chicago, Illinois
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