Obituaries
Niles Native Rob Pullen, Tellabs CEO, Dies
The 50-year-old, who attended Our Lady of Ransom school and Maine East High School, battled colon cancer for three months.
Robert "Rob" Pullen, 50, the CEO of Tellabs, Inc., who grew up in Niles and lived in Naperville, passed away Monday.
A friend and co-worker told the Aurora Beacon-News that Pullen, who graduated in engineering from the University of Illinois and started at Tellabs, based in Naperville, right out of college, was a visionary. Tellabs makes telecommunications equipment.
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According to the Chicago Tribune, Pullen became the company's CEO in 2008 and refocused it on wireless carrier customers. After a 2008 loss, he returned it to profitability in 2009 and 2010.
Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home said Pullen grew up in Niles and attended Our Lady of Ransom School and Maine East High School.
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Pullen will be waked Sunday at Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home. 44 S. Mill Street, Naperville.
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