Robert P. Harty, 59, passed away on September 24, 2021 at 7:29 p.m. at OSF St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria, surrounded by his beloved family. A Rosary was recited at 2:30 p.m. with a visitation following from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m., Friday, October 1, 2021, at Duffy – Baier – Snedecor Funeral Home in Pontiac. His funeral was at 9:30 a.m., Saturday, October 2, 2021 in St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Pontiac, with Father Adam Cesarek officiating. Duffy – Baier – Snedecor Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be made in Bob’s memory to St. Mary’s School or to St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Pontiac. Bob was born in Ottawa on October 4, 1961, to the proud parents Robert G. and Carolyn M. (Nelson) Harty. They preceded him in death. He married the love of his life, Patti Jo Murphy, on June 22, 1984, in St. Paul Catholic Church, Odell. She survives in Pontiac. Other survivors include his children: Katelyn Jo (Billy) Casner and Kelsi Jo (Joe) Richardson, both of Pontiac; grandchildren: Parker, Preston, Kash, Nolan, and Kennedy. Also surviving are his brothers: Kevin Harty of Wheaton, Illinois; Michael (Karie) Harty of Lexington, Kentucky; and Tim (Inga) Harty of LaClair, Iowa; his sisters: Karen (Mike) Powers of Peoria, Illinois; Marsha (Kevin) Murphy of Dwight, Illinois; and Kerri (Tom) Brady of LaSalle, Illinois. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Bob graduated from Dwight Township High School in 1979. He then went on to attend Worldwide College of Auctioneering in Mason City, Iowa, while also working at RR Donnelley in Dwight. After working there for 33 years, he then went to Caterpillar until retiring in April of 2021. During his employment at RR Donnelley, he farmed the family farm. He was also the owner and operator of Harty Auction Company for 31 years. Mr. Harty was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Pontiac, as well as the Elks Club and the National Auctioneers Association. Anyone who knew Bob was touched by his warm smile and tender heart. He was known for his hard work ethic and never knowing a stranger. He loved dirt track racing, the St. Louis Cardinals, and the business he started from scratch, Harty Auction. His most prized possession was his family, especially his five precious grandchildren. Despite his illness, he maintained a positive outlook and continued to live life to the fullest. He took great pride in his home, “The Ranch,” where he enjoyed giving his grandchildren golfcart rides and working in his garden. On his final day, he was surrounded by his beloved wife and children, who he adored more than anything else in the world. Bob will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.