Robert "Bob" C. Rosa, Jr.

PEORIA - Robert C. Rosa, Jr., 77, of Peoria died Thursday, November 6, 2025, at his residence. He was born on August 16, 1948 in Chicago, the son of Robert Clarence and Helen Louise (Kirby) Rosa Sr. They preceded him in death. Bob is survived by his wife, Barbara (Knollhoff-Walters); daughters, Christina (Justin) Abatie and Jennifer (J Scott Hinkley II) Rosa; grandchildren, Owen, Grayson, Makenzie, Norah, Larkin, and Willa; brother, John (Pamela) Rosa; and two nephews, Robert Rosa and Jack Rosa. In Rosa’s youth, he was the Captain of the wrestling team displaying exceptional physical and mental prowess. As a young adult he went on to join the Army Reserves as a Green Beret in the Special Forces. Highlights of his several years in the Green Berets included his Airborne experiences particularly loving the thrill of jumping from aircrafts. Into his adulthood, heights didn’t stop him from pursuing roles he enjoyed. Literal heights-loving jobs included being a chimney sweep to eventually reaching nationally recognized heights in the world of powerlifting. Bob was a perpetual student of human health and fitness, natural healing and supplementation, thoughtful training, and generously provided his vast wealth of skill with others. Often described as soft-spoken (and silly) in nature yet incredibly knowledgeable in the area of health and Olympic-level weight training. In 1974 Bob Rosa founded Central Illinois Weightlifting Gym initially on Peoria’s North Knoxville Avenue as well as Pekin’s Derby Street, then finally on Southwest Adams Street in Peoria. As ‘Powerlifting USA’ Magazine published, “Little did the young entrepreneur know that his fledgling enterprise was destined to become a Peoria institution that would influence weight training worldwide.” Rosa’s Gym would exist over 40 years having produced notable protégés that were internationally recognized Olympic lifters, bodybuilders, and serial record-breaking powerlifters. World Champion Legends including Mike Bridges, Freddie Higgins, and many more trained under Rosa’s tutelage and contributed to the hundreds of records set and shattered at Central Illinois Weightlifting Gym. Though his historic and iconic hardcore gym became known for producing heavy-lifting royalty, Rosa’s passion for health extended to anyone who entered his doors from all ages and every walk of life. It was a place of serious sport, yet he created an atmosphere of camaraderie and equity. While very much a mountain of a man, he relished taking on supportive roles for his children. With pride he proved to be a vocal cheerleader of his daughters and their vastly different areas of interests…worlds away from arm wrestling and bodybuilding meets. He provided a foundation of following dreams just as he had in taking a leap of faith on lifting. His life’s passion was helping people be strong and healthy. In later years, tragically, the knowledge and lessons that were engrained in him and in those who he helped, could not save his life. His expertise has improved the lives of countless others over the years, and the family welcomes the sharing of stories from the community. Those with pictures, videos, and anecdotes to share, are asked to please send them to: bobrosa1948@gmail.com. Per his wishes, cremation rites have been accorded. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to help assist the family during this difficult transition may be sent to Venmo: @RosaMemorialFund (https://www.venmo.com/u/RosaMemorialFund) and Cash App: $RosaMemorial (https://cash.app/$RosaMemorial) Online condolences may be made at www.schmidthaller.com.

Robert "Bob" C. Rosa, Jr.

August 16, 1948 - November 6, 2025