Bob Gilmore was a Peoria philanthropist and president of Caterpillar. Born in 1920, Gilmore grew up in Peoria, Illinois during the Great Depression. After graduating high school, he served 30 missions as a B-17 Air Force navigator in Europe. After his time in the military, Gilmore returned home in 1946 and began a long career with Caterpillar. Before becoming president, Gilmore opened a plant in Grenoble, France, which was vital to the international success of Caterpillar. In 1977 he was named president of Caterpillar, and filled that role until he retired in 1985.
Throughout his life, Gilmore worked as an community leader in Peoria, dedicating most of his time and resources to bettering the community. Some of his most notable contributions included the Peoria Hospital Council, Economic Development Council for the Peoria Area, Security Savings & Loan, Society of Manufacturing Engineering, and many more. He was also a founder of the S.M.E. Educational Foundation.
Gilmore passed away peacefully on September 22, 2020 at 100 years old. Within this site, you will see his legacy and impact are evident.
Throughout his life, Gilmore worked as an community leader in Peoria, dedicating most of his time and resources to bettering the community. Some of his most notable contributions included the Peoria Hospital Council, Economic Development Council for the Peoria Area, Security Savings & Loan, Society of Manufacturing Engineering, and many more. He was also a founder of the S.M.E. Educational Foundation.
Gilmore passed away peacefully on September 22, 2020 at 100 years old. Within this site, you will see his legacy and impact are evident.
Gilmore FoundationThe Gilmore Foundation is a private foundation that was established in 2009 which supports the development and improvement of the tri-county…
An extensive list of philanthropic ventures of the Gilmore Foundation in recent months. This document also includes a section on COVID relief projects…
Recently Added Items
Bob Gilmore Portraits of Peoria MuralThe digital version of the Bob Gilmore Portrait mural created by Jeremy Berkley. This mural was created as part of the Portraits of Peoria project.…
Gilmore Foundation InformationThe mission statement, values, vision, and purpose of the Gilmore Foundation. This document explains the reason the Gilmore Foundation was created,…
An extensive list of philanthropic ventures of the Gilmore Foundation in recent months. This document also includes a section on COVID relief projects…