Alessandro "Al" Guerrera

Alessandro “Al” Guerrera, 88, of Rockford, passed away peacefully February 17, 2019. Born August 15, 1930 in Rockford, son of Onofrio and Giuseppina (Priolo) Guerrera. Married Grace (Pigatti) Guerrera on November 7, 1959. Al graduated from East High School in 1948. Briefly attended Northern Illinois State Teacher’s College prior to serving in the US Air Force from 1951 - 1955. Resumed his education at Northern Illinois University, graduating with a BS in Education (Mathematics) in 1957. Received his MS in Education, School of Business Administration in 1962. During his career as an educator, Al held the following positions: Math Teacher - Roosevelt Jr. HS (’56-‘66), Assistant Principal - Lincoln Jr. HS (’66-’69), Principal - Beyer Middle School (’69-’70), Principal - Eisenhower Middle School (’70-’85), Principal - Flinn Middle School (’85-’86). His major career accomplishment was coordinating the construction of Eisenhower Middle School as well as being the school’s first Principal. Al also worked as a realtor from 1988 - 1991 for 5 Points Realty.
After retiring from Real Estate, Al enjoyed traveling with Grace, spending time with his family, going to garage sales, fishing, golfing (playing his last round in October 2018) and his monthly breakfast with former Eisenhower staff members.
Al is survived by his children, Catherine (Thomas) Wilcox of Rockford, Mark (Cheri) Guerrera of Waunakee, WI, Mary Terese (Douglas) Adams of Rockford, and John (Jyoti) Guerrera of Palatine, IL; grandchildren, Aaron Adams, Nick and Joe Guerrera, Laila and Jay Guerrera; brother Sam (Ava) Guerrera of Santa Rosa, CA; numerous nieces and nephews. Predeceased by wife, Grace, in June 2003.

The family would like to thank Megan Thibodeau, Nurse Practitioner at OSF and the staff at Presence St. Anne Center for their compassionate care of Al.

Funeral mass will be held at 11:00 am Monday, February 25, 2019 at Holy Family Church with Rev. David Beauvais officiating. Visitation prior to mass from 10 am until 10:45 am. Private Catholic burial at Calvary Cemetery. Visitation 4 to 7 pm Sunday, February 24, 2019 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Rockford Park District Foundation or Presence St. Anne Center. To express online condolences, please visit: www.fitzgeraldfh.com.