Brian Edward Donnelli

Brian Edward Donnelli, 61, of Rockford, passed away after a prolonged illness on Tuesday, July 12, 2022.

He was born on January 5, 1961, in Rockford, the son of Richard Bares and Nancy Lee (Parker) Donnelli. He married Christy “Chris” Kielsmeier on August 30, 2008, in Rockford. Brian worked in sales for many manufacturers, recently working for Packaging Corporations of America (PCA) for five years.

Brian has attended Northeast Christian Church since 2006. He loved spending time in the sunshine, being in the pool with his kids and grandkids, and occasionally fishing. He was extremely proud of his kids and grandkids, and was a dedicated husband, father and grandfather. He was a hard worker, very loving, and a people person. He never judged a soul and was a very accepting man.

Brian is survived by those who love him most, his wife, Chris Donnelli; children, Brandon (Dawn) Donnelli and Alexandra “Allie” (Fiancé Nick Rothermel) Donnelli; stepchildren, Andrew (Jessica) Macklin and Erin (Tyson) Grahn; grandchildren, Kaitlyn and Loralei Donnelli, Luke, Jack, and Will Macklin, and Beau and Briggs Grahn; brothers, Richard “Rick” (Rebecca) Donnelli, Scott (Roxanne) Donnelli, and Robert “Bob” (Lori) Donnelli; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He is predeceased by his parents.

The family would like to give a special thanks to OSF Hospice, especially to Sister Angelica for the amazing care she gave Brian.

A public visitation will be held on Monday, July 18, 2022 from 5:00 – 8:00 pm, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Road, Rockford, Illinois 61108. A funeral service will follow the next day, Tuesday, July 19, 2022 at 11:00 am, at Northeast Christian Church, 5561 East Riverside BLVD, Rockford, IL 61114. Burial will take place in Scandinavian Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family to be established at a later date.

Please share memories and condolences online at www.fitzgeraldhfh.com.