Robert L. Lawton

Robert Lawton MD, 76, of Chicago, formerly of River Forest, passed away on March 2, 2025

Bob grew up in Flossmoor and attended medical school at the University of Chicago. He went on to practice psychiatry for more than 40 years at the VA in Chicago; Ingalls Hospital in Harvey; the Robert Young Mental Health Center in Moline; Development Centers in Detroit; and in private practice. 

From a young age, Bob was passionate about music: first Gilbert and Sullivan, later the folk scene. He built and/or played several stringed instruments, including the mandolin. And, through playlists that spanned Chanticleer, Ottmar Liebert, Steeleye Span, and Ladysmith Black Mambazo, he passed on a love of harmony to his kids. He also embraced their hobbies as his own—his impressive, perhaps ridiculous, collection of nutcrackers standing as a fitting testament.

Bob is survived by his children Jenny (Alex Gallafent), Matt (Alejandra), and Mike (Nicole), and his grandchildren Luke and Olympia; and by his sisters Nancy (Arnee) Eisenberg and Joan (Bill Wandsnider) Van Hoof, along with their children. He was predeceased by his parents Helen and David Lawton, brother-in-law Tom Van Hoof, and his beloved golden retriever, Teddy.

In lieu of flowers, please support the Old Town School of Folk Music. Or check out the overture to Leonard Bernstein’s “Candide,” to Bob’s ears one of the greatest pieces of music ever written.

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