Bob “Bobby” Vercellino-Valier

Bob “Bobby” Vercellino, 81 years old, passed away peacefully and entered the gates of heaven on March 7, 2022 at his home in Valier, IL. He was born on November 27, 1940 to Johnny and Julia Vercellino.

He attended Valier Community High School, where he graduated in 1958. After high school, he attended S.I.U Carbondale and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Business and Education.

On August 19, 1966, he married his childhood sweetheart, Sue Sammons and together they had two sons; Robby (Kristy) Vercellino of Mulkeytown, IL. Ryan (Ann) Vercellino of Marion, IL and one daughter Eileen Patchett of Valier, IL. He had eight grandchildren: Jeff (Mary) Patchett, Lindy (Isaiah) Stonecipher, Brooke (Jarrod) Cecil, Drew(Kayelee) Pettit, Matthew Vercellino, Ben Vercellino, Nick Reilly, and Brigitte(Kurt) Keeven and ten great-grandchildren. He is also survived by one sister, Judy (Buddy) Rowland, and two sisters-in-law, Judy Vercellino and Kay Ann (David) Simpson.

Bobby enjoyed playing sports all throughout grade school and high school. He was an avid sports fan and loved watching the St. Louis Cardinals. He loved spending time with his family and was always willing to open up his home to anyone in time of need. Being this loving, caring, and giving person, he donated his body to S.I.U. School of Medicine, hoping that even in death he might be able to help someone.

After college, he went on to teach at Benton High School. Due to the passing of his dad, Bobby left Benton High School to run the family grocery store in Valier, Illinois. He took pride in making customers happy where friendships were started and great memories made. He worked in the mines for several years, but due to an injury at the mines he went back to teaching at Sesser-Valier. In addition to being a teacher at the high school, he served twelve years as a school board member.

Bobby was a born again believer and loved Jesus very much. He was a member of the Valier First Baptist Church, where he attended regularly and worked in many capacities, which included sound technician, treasurer, Sunday school teacher and youth leader. With his strong faith in God and determination, he fought a long hard battle with Parkinson’s.

He will be sadly missed, but there is joy in knowing he is pain free and in the arms of Jesus. He was preceded in death by his parents, Johnny and Julia Vercellino, and his brother, Jon Vercellino. There will be visitation on Saturday, March 12th at 10:00am at Valier First Baptist Church followed by a Celebration of Life service at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Valier First Baptist. Envelopes will be available at the church. Please join us after the service as we continue the celebration of Bobby’s life with lunch being served.