Obituaries

Robert Wilcox Trevarthen “Bob”, age 94, of Geneva, passed away peacefully on April 23, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Bob was born in Chicago on February 26, 1931, to Harry and Anne Trevarthen. Bob leaves behind his adoring wife of 54 years, Sally, his five children, Lynn Trevarthen, David Trevarthen (Laura), Nancy Hodges (Dan), Julie Escarcida (Victor) and John Trevarthen; 4 grandchildren, Ben, Katy, Damon and Angie and many beloved friends and colleagues. Bob was preceded in death by his parents and grandson, Matthew.

Bob came from very humble beginnings but through education and athletics, had two successful careers. He graduated from the University of Illinois with a B.A., M. S, and Ed.D., and spent over 30 years as a teacher, coach, Principal and Superintendent. Bob then obtained a J.D. from Loyola and spent another 30 years working as an attorney. Bob began his legal career with Klein Thorp and Jenkins, then founded his own firm which grew in size and success and finally retired just a few years ago as an attorney for the Illinois Council of police.

Throughout his professional life, Bob endeavored to teach at the highest skill level, meeting the challenge of individual differences, while achieving self-fulfillment through his students, colleagues, and clients’ achievements and successes. As an athletic coach, teacher, administrator and attorney, he followed the philosophy of getting things done by building people.

Beyond his family, Bob’s greatest love was coaching, and he enjoyed great success as a track and football coach. While at Evanston Township High School, Bob was the head Varsity track and field coach, achieving 10 Suburban League Championships, two State Championships, 3 State runner-ups and 5 District Championships. As the head Sophomore football coach, he achieved 5 Suburban League Championships. While at Hinsdale Township High School, he obtained 1 West Suburban League Championship, and 2 District Championships as the head Varsity wrestling coach and as the head Sophomore football coach, had 3 West Suburban League Championships. Bob also continued his career as an educator as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Illinois, Northern Illinois University and at Westshore Community College while “retired” in Michigan. Bob maintained a close relationship with several of his players from his years at Evanston and gained so much more from them than he could have ever given back. In 2016, Bob was honored to be elected into the Evanston Township High School Athletic Hall of Fame. That election was based on his coaching successes and administrative leadership. Through that experience, Bob learned that when the fanfare of athletic success is put aside, what successful coaches teach is respect, perseverance and passion. He believed those are the tools that create good parents, citizens and leaders.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity benefiting youth, in Bob’s name. A private celebration of Bob’s life will be held this summer with his family and players. Bob Trevarthen was a legend, and his family asks that everyone who knew him commit to improving the lives of those around you. Invest in people the way Bob did. And go White Sox!

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