Kill designed homes, Hometown church

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Kill

Updated: January 7, 2012 8:15AM

Robert Francis Kill designed many houses and commercial properties during his career as an architect, but he was most proud of his design of Our Lady of Loretto Church in Hometown.

“We were parishioners there. He was really proud to do that church,” said Mr. Kill’s daughter, Susan Kegan.

The design was ahead of its time because the church, rectory and convent all were included in a single structure, Kegan said.

Mr. Kill, of Grand Beach, Mich., died Wednesday at St. Anthony Medical Center in Michigan City, Ind. He was 87.

Mr. Kill also designed the house in Chicago’s Morgan Park community where he raised his family with his wife, Jean Marie, who died in 2010. He later designed family homes in Naples, Fla., and Grand Beach.

He spent many years running his own architectural firm but also served as the deputy commissioner of Chicago’s building department, where he wrote the city’s first handicap ordinance in the 1970s.

“He was really proud of the work he did with the Chicago Housing Authority,” Kegan said.

Mr. Kill was born in Chicago’s Grand Crossing community and attended St. Columbanus Grammar School and Leo High School. He was a graduate of the Illinois Institute of Technology and a member of the American Institute of Architects.

A World War II veteran, he was a member of the Navy’s Seabee division.

He was knighted “Sir Robert” by the French Republic with the Chevalier de la legion d’honneur in 2009.

Mr. Kill will be remembered for his kind spirit, generosity and love, family members said.

“He worked really hard to give us this beautiful life that we have,” Kegan said.

He is survived by his daughters Susan Kegan, Tina Kelly, Melanie Kill and Robin McCarthy; sister Rosemary Kenny, nine grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Services have been held. Donations can be sent to the American Cancer Society, 17060 S. Oak Park Ave., Tinley Park, IL 60477.