Robert Ira Near, age 71, devoted son of the late Sam and the late Sally Near; loving brother of Bill (Diane) Near, Carl (late Geraldine) Rosenthal and the late Joyce Jill Near; cherished uncle of Shlomo (Eitana) Near, Stephanie (Kusi) Field, Yehoshua (Beca) Near, Marcia (Dr. Steven) Kaye and the late Michael (Laurie) Rosenthal; dear great uncle of Lital, Ayelet, Amalya, Leah, Deena, Dovid, Kayla, Shmuel, Brian, Jason and Dylan. Graveside service Thursday, 9:00 a.m. at Waldheim Cemetery, Workman Circle, Gate 42, ( approx. 2 blocks South of Roosevelt Rd.), 1400 S. DesPlaines Ave., Forest Park. Info: The Goldman Funeral Group, www.goldmanfuneralgroup.com (847) 478-1600.