Robert "Rusty" DiLenge

Robert DiLenge was born in Chicago on June 28, 1958, with bright copper curly hair that earned him the nickname of "Rusty". The red hair didn't last, but the curls and the nickname did. When he was young, his family moved to Port Jefferson Station in Long Island, New York, where he enjoyed an idyllic childhood growing up with all his neighborhood friends. Around the time he entered high school, his family moved back to the Chicago suburbs, establishing a home in Prospect Heights. He attended John Hersey High School, where he was a self proclaimed “gearhead." If you were looking for him, you'd likely find him in the garage halfway under a car. He loved spending his free time fixing up cars and solving intricate problems that other mechanics couldn't.

His passion for cars turned into his career. He spent many years as a mechanic and manager at several Chicagoland Car-X and Merlin's Muffler shops. For several years, he owned the Merlin's Muffler Shop in Elk Grove Village. He spent the end of his career as a trainer at Universal Technical Institute, where he taught the next generation of mechanics all he knew. Rusty was always honest and fair to those he helped and always cared most about people having a safe ride home. His friends and family can attest that he was always willing to lend a hand and fixed up many of their cars through the years. He cared deeply about those around him and was always willing to help in whatever way he could.

Through his high school friends, he met his beloved wife, Teresa. They got married in 1980 and had a beautiful life together. In 1984, they moved into their home in Algonquin, where they first raised their Chow-Chow dogs (Munchie, Muriela, and Shadow) before welcoming home and raising their daughters, Mary and Diana. Rusty would be the first to tell you that his greatest joy was being a husband and a father.

Like all midwestern fathers, Rusty had his dedicated recliner in the living room. You'd often find him there doing his daily crossword on his iPad or watching "Jeopardy" and getting approximately 80% of the clues right. He'd always watch and cheer on the Chicago Bears and the Chicago Cubs, no matter how bad they were playing.

Rusty was always the first to crack a joke. His wit and sarcasm were unmatched. He'd always find a way to make you chuckle, even in the hardest of life's moments. It was no secret that Rusty struggled with many health issues throughout his life. He was diagnosed as a type-1 diabetic at just 10 years old. He survived heart surgeries, MRSA infections, amputations, and sepsis. He was a fighter and he beat the odds over and over again. When it was finally his time, he passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital in Barrington, Illinois.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Teresa V. DiLenge, and his parents, James and Ann P. DiLenge.

He is survived by his daughters, Mary T. DiLenge and Diana M. DiLenge, as well as his brother, James (Olga) T. DiLenge, and his many nieces and nephews.

The world was a better place for the 66 years he was in it. He will be missed fiercely and deeply.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Thursday, May 1, 2025 beginning at 11:00 a.m. directly at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, 111 S. Hubbard St., Algonquin. Family & friends will gather that morning for a visitation at the church beginning at 10:00 a.m.

Inurnment will follow to St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Cemetery.

Arrangements entrusted with Willow Funeral Home & Cremation Care in Algonquin.

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