Obituary
Robert Charles Carleton, 71, of Elgin, passed away on February 25, 2021. Carleton was an adoring father and grandfather, a beloved sibling and son, and a treasured mentor and friend. Carleton’s kindness, creativity, and quirky sense of humor will be remembered by all who love him.
Carleton was born in Parma Heights, Ohio, attended Padua Franciscan High School, and graduated from the University of Akron with a degree in Theatre. As a world-class professional mime, Carleton performed and taught for almost 50 years. He was featured at the first International Pantomime Festival in China. Carleton was also a flight attendant for United Airlines, beginning in 1972, and was one of the first male flight attendants in the country. Most recently, Carleton founded the Unicorn Mime Ensemble of Elgin, where his artistic legacy will live on with a new generation of mimes.
Carleton is survived by his daughter Jessica Carleton (Andy Leinbach), his grandson Theodore Carleton Leinbach, his brother Fred Carleton, his brother-in-law Bruce Pickford, his ex-wife & friend Gail Sikevitz, and his stepmother Darlene Carleton. Carleton was predeceased by his dear sisters Joan Terry and Rosemary Pickford, and his parents Charles and Rosemary Carleton (née Hogan).
To keep everyone safe and healthy, the chapel service and interment are private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Community Crisis Center in Elgin (IL) www.crisiscenter.org, Act Blue www.actblue.com, Greenpeace www.greenpeace.org, or the American Heart Association www.heart.org. To attend the funeral live stream, Sunday 3 PM, please visit our website. Arrangements by Chicago Jewish Funerals - Skokie Chapel, 847.229.8822, www.cjfinfo.com
Arrangements by Chicago Jewish Funerals. www.chicagojewishfunerals.com