Pianist entertained diners for 30 years in Arlington Heights

For some three decades, the sound of Bob Mansfield's piano serenaded diners at the Palm Court restaurant in Arlington Heights.

From Beethoven to Pink Floyd, Gershwin to Prince, he could play it all, even though he never learned how to read music. He knew how to play by ear.

"People would end up staying when they just came in for dinner and end up sitting in the lounge and saying, 'It's amazing how this guy could play this stuff,'" said Tarree Collins, Mansfield's best friend and vocalist in their "The Lady & Mansfield" duo.

"He absorbed music and translated it to the keyboard," she said.

Mansfield, 63, of Rolling Meadows, died Jan. 6 of heart-related complications and stroke. A memorial service is being held at 1 p.m. Sunday in the Fireplace Room of Palm Court, 1912 N. Arlington Heights Road.

For more than 30 years, Mansfield was the resident pianist there, performing most nights of the week on his own and on weekends with Collins. He started at the Palm Court playing Monday nights, but it eventually turned into a full-time gig after working in the graphic arts business, Collins said.

His passion for playing the piano began at a young age. He first struck the keys on a small play piano at age 3. He learned by listening to and watching his parents, who were both pianists and teachers.

A West Leyden High School graduate, Mansfield played in bands, and by age 18, he was playing the organ at the Orbit Skate Center in Palatine.

Collins said she met Mansfield through musicians they knew, and they started performing together at venues throughout the city and suburbs.

At Palm Court, Mansfield had a loyal following, playing favorites and requests, and keeping an eye on the door so that when regulars came in, they could be greeted with "their" song, Collins said.

"He just loved music," she said.