Robert “Rocky” Bellis, 56, of Warrenville Il, passed away on May 19, 2024 from natural causes related to heart issues caused by Sleep Apnea. Rocky was born on September 3, 1967 to Richard Andrew Bellis and Darlene Anderson Bellis in Libertyville, IL. Both Rocky’s father and mother, passed within nine months of his own passing.

Rocky attended Libertyville High School where he met, and several years after graduating, married Kelly Ellis. After graduating from High School in 1985, Rocky went on to briefly study business at Northern Illinois University. While on summer break he and Kelly decided to marry and did so in 1987. Soon after. they started their family and went on to have two boys, Thomas and Lucas.

Rocky’s father Dick Bellis, having grown up in the depression era, had a strong work ethic and was quite determined to pass that along to his sons. Rocky began earning a paycheck working side by side with his father at the Eric Bollander Construction Company in Libertyville, IL at the age of 16. Little did he know this job would kick-start an illustrious 30+ year career in the paving industry.

Rocky left Bollander in 1996 to work for the Walsh Group in Chicago, IL. Failure wasn’t an option with a young family. Early in his career Rocky saw an opportunity to soar and with the soul of a warrior, he did just that. His working days averaged 13 hours per day and at times a schedule that ran seven days per week. He loved the thrill of victory and setting records, some paving records that still have not been broken. The true catalyst for his success was his family. But success came at a cost for Rocky and Kelly and their marriage ended. Rocky loved spending time with his boys taking them on fishing trips and teaching them to fish and have a passion for the great outdoors. He was excited and looking forward to carrying on this tradition by teaching his grandchildren the same skills.

Rocky continued to excel at Walsh Group. He was fair, honest and approachable. Always available to his colleagues. He was trustworthy. He cared about their futures. If they gave him 100% of their very best he wanted them to look inward for another 20% to give and then he wanted them on his team forever. He had a way of helping people find the best within themselves. That was the key to his success and that is why he and those around him flourished. You can’t buy a degree in that kind of leadership. It was in his blood.

Rocky respected people for their work. That was true of his crews and in his home life. Tommy and Luke can tell many stories about those Fathers Day “projects” around the house. His home improvements led him to LouAnn “Lulu” an interior designer. They shared many values none more important to them than family. Countless cookouts, traveling, fishing, Luau’s and holiday gatherings always creating new ways to make memories together, with children and grandchildren. He would provide the idea, the outline of an event and she would take care of the details. He saw the black and white and allowed her to be the painter, a role that she loved. They recognized their own best attributes in each other and after 7 1/2 years together, decided to make their marriage official at Miramar Beach, Florida on 5/4/24. Just 15 days before he passed while visiting his youngest son, Luke in Oregon.

Rocky is survived by his wife LouAnn “Lulu” Bellis, and his children Thomas Bellis and his wife Andrea Bellis. His son Lucas Bellis and his wife Meaghan Patterson Bellis, At the time of his death, three Grandchildren, Declan Bellis, Logan Bellis, Owen Bellis, and another grandson on the way, Ryan Robert Bellis. His step children Michael Medick and Matthew Medick. His Brother Richard Bellis Jr., and Sister-in-law, Sue Bellis. His nieces / God Daughters, Elizabeth and Meghan Bellis and his beloved dog Trigger.

The family requests, in lieu of flowers, that contributions be made to the American Heart Association.

Walsh wrote to their employees...

In Memory of,

Robert “Rocky” Bellis

It is with profound sadness that we inform you of the passing of our friend and colleague, Robert "Rocky" Bellis. Rocky was a Senior Superintendent for numerous transportation project teams and worked with many Walsh Group employees during his nearly 30 years at The Walsh Group.

Rocky joined Walsh in 1996 and built a career on paving expertise that guided our heavy highway operations and touched nearly every major interstate in the Chicago area. He carried his expertise over into airport paving – working coast-to-coast from LaGuardia to O'Hare to Ontario International Airport. Most recently, Rocky was working on the Dunsmuir Gap Bridge Deck Replacement near Mt. Shasta, California. He was also evolving his leadership role to help manage our California and Arizona Transportation teams.

His legacy of accomplishment left not only an impression on the highways and airports that he worked on but also with the people that he worked with. He was part of our family at The Walsh Group, and he will truly be missed.

“Rocky was a true friend and mentor. He was an expert that you could turn to when you had a question about paving and a friend you could talk to about life,” said Southern California Program Manager Jay Titus. "He had a big heart and a big personality and knew how to celebrate success; often talking about record-breaking days where his competitive spirit would show and bring out the best in us.”

A Celebration of Life Event will be held for Rocky on Friday, July 12, from 3:00pm-7:00pm at Cantigny Golf Course, Red Oak Room located at 27W270 Mack Road in Wheaton, Illinois.

Please keep Rocky, as well as his wife LouAnn, sons Luke and Tommy, and three grandchildren in your thoughts and prayers.

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