Robert J. Fairhead

Robert J. Fairhead, 94, of Estero, FL, died on August 20, 2020. Bob was born on February 18, 1926, in Rockford, Illinois, the first born child of Arthur and Hazel (Zuck) Fairhead. He graduated with the first mid-term class of West High School on January 28, 1944. Bob was Class President, a Captain in the ROTC, Co-Captain of the Tennis Team, member of the National Honor Society and member of the National Athletic Honor Society. He was accepted into the Navy V-5 program (pilot training out of High School) and enlisted on September 30, 1943, and was called to active duty on March 1, 1944. When the Navy discontinued the V-5 program he was assigned to the Naval ROTC program at the University of Southern California. Upon commissioning with a BS in Naval Science and Tactics, he was assigned to the USS OSMUS (DE 701) with the 7th Fleet. Upon separation from active duty (at a later date he was honorably discharged as a LT, jg) he returned to USC and graduated with a BE in Mechanical Engineering. He joined Bryant Heater Division of AGE on April 1, 1950, as a Sales Trainee. He retired in January, 1984, as Director of Sales for BDP (Bryant, Day & Night and Payne) Division of Carrier, United Technologies Corporation. During his career, Bob lived in the Chicago, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Indianapolis areas. After his education and service to country were completed, Bob returned to Illinois. He married Margret (Stanton) Fairhead on June 17, 1949, and to this union four sons were born. After their divorce, Bob was introduced to Carmel (IN) high school teacher Janet (Blades) Blocker and they were married one year later. After Bob retired from Carrier, he and Janet owned Barrett Industrial Supply in Indianapolis, IN. In 1987 he and Janet purchased a home in Fisherman’s Village, Moore Haven, FL, for “in-season” fishing on Lake Okeechobee. In 1993, Bob and Janet purchased a condo in Bay Forest, in Naples. They became full time FL residents in 1995. In 2002 they built a home in Grandezza (Estero, FL) where Bob was able to enjoy golf and continue fishing Lake Okeechobee (until Hurricane Wilma came along). Bob enjoyed golf, fishing, travel, sports, reading, family reunions, card games and he thoroughly enjoyed the many friends he made throughout his life – especially his Navy classmates who kept in touch through the years. He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur Fairhead and Hazel Cameron, and by his brother Ronald L. Fairhead. Bob is survived by his wife of 47 years, Janet (Blades) Fairhead, and his four sons: Gary Robert Fairhead, Arlington Heights, IL; Michael Keith Fairhead (Carol) Indianapolis, IN; Gregory Alan Fairhead, Buffalo Grove, IL; Thomas Stanton Fairhead (Lynn) Des Plaines, IL; Bob’s one remaining sibling, sister Linda Fairhead Brooks (Donald) lives in West Sacramento, CA; surviving grandchildren include Susan Fairhead, Westchester, IL; Robert Fairhead (Erin) Wheaton, IL, Matthew Fairhead, Des Plaines, IL and Kimberly Fairhead, Des Plaines, IL, and great-granddaughter, Violet, 4 years old in Wheaton, IL. The family plans no service. In lieu of flowers, Bob would appreciate a donation be made to the following: USC Naval ROTC Alumni League Scholarship Fund Department of Naval Science University of Southern California 3560 Watt Way – PED Room 101 Los Angeles, CA 90089-0654

Robert J. Fairhead

February 18, 1926 - August 20, 2020