Robert A. McMillan, 72, of Sycamore died Tuesday, November 17, 2020 peacefully at his home.

He was born on April 28, 1948 in Chicago to Roy and Mary (Babich) McMillan.  Their family was settled in Sycamore in 1947.

He married Susan J. Peterson on February 7th, 1970. Their first date was attending the Broadway musical "Hello, Dolly!" in Chicago when they were 16 and 18. Bob and Sue had celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this year.

Bob was a graduate of Sycamore High School, Class of 1966. After graduation, he attended Pasadena Playhouse, a performing arts theater in California. He studied acting and set design. After one year, Bob returned home after his father had a heart attack and he was needed to help run the family business, McMillan Electric.

McMillan Electric was started by his Father, and is currently owned by his surviving brother, Jim McMillan. They specialized in residential and commercial wiring. Bob would tell the story that when he was very young, he would drive the company work truck while sitting on a stack of wire to reach the pedals.  Once Jim took over McMillan Electric, Bob focused his efforts on his own business, RAMCO Construction and Remodeling. He also worked as an Installer for Illini Security, installing both residential and commercial security systems.

Bob had a gift for woodworking. He handcrafted hutches, clocks, benches, wall sconces, decks, interior cabinets, signs, children's playhouses, and Christmas decor items.  He handcrafted beautiful Nativity scenes and Christmas Creches, many of which he gifted to friends. Salem Lutheran Church uses a couple of his creches throughout the church each Christmas season.

Bob had a great talent, and eye for design when it came to creating scenes for plays. He began in High School, constructing and designing the decorations for the school Proms and plays. Throughout his lifetime, he often served as Set Designer and Manager for many plays and musicals, designing and creating the backdrops for both Sycamore and Kaneland Schools. Some of his favorite sets were: Fiddler on the Roof and Grease.  He designed, built, and was the Stage Manager for a play for one of DeKalb County's Celebrations at the Egyptian Theater. His love of set design brought him to EWTN, the Catholic television network in Alabama, in Set Construction and Design from 2004-2007. His beloved dog, Buddy, could often be found roaming about the studio.

Bob also had a knack for constructing award-winning parade floats for Sycamore's Pumpkinfest Parade. Creating several floats for the Cub Scouts, a real estate office, and his own business RAMCO.

While his son Sean was in 2nd - 6th grade, he worked as the custodian at St. Mary's Catholic School. He adored the children.

Bob was a fantastic chef. He could make a gourmet meal out of whatever was in the pantry. He enjoyed hosting family holiday meals. No one went hungry when he was around. The family has a holiday tradition of playing Tripoly and Scrabble, which Bob enjoyed playing. He and his recipes will be sorely missed this Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Robert is survived by his Wife, Susan J. (Peterson) McMillan

Son, Robert P. McMillan

Daughter, Mary Katherine (Jon) Iaccino

Granddaughters: Shaina M. McMillan, Dawlton G. McMillan, Kara M. McMillan, and Dolly E. Iaccino

Brother, James M. (Nancy) McMillan, Nephew Matthew A. (Nikki) McMillan

And numerous cousins, and friends

He is preceded in death by his Father Roy R. McMillan, Mother Mary L. Babich, Son Sean P. McMillan and Nephew Ryan P. McMillan.

Mass will be held at St. Mary Catholic Church of Sycamore on Wednesday November 25th, 2020 at 1PM. There will not be a visitation prior to the service due to guideline restrictions and in consideration of those who wish to attend the service.   A limit of 86 persons are allowed to be seated in the Sanctuary.   You are welcome to watch the streamed Mass "Live" on this link below. The recording can be replayed up to twelve hours later if you are not able to watch at that time.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lq77prpXxhs&feature=youtu.be

At a future date, to be determined, a Celebration of Life will be held with private interment to follow.

His Mother lost her eyesight when Bob was two years old. Bob has always been supportive of organizations that helped the blind. A Memorial Donation will be made to the Hadley Institute for the Blind and Visually Impared, as well as, the Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired.

Cards and Flowers may be sent in care to Butalas Funeral Home, 1405 DeKalb Avenue, Sycamore, Illinois 60178

To sign the online guest book, go to www.butalafuneralhomes.com or call Butala Funeral Home and Crematory. 815-895-2833.