Earlene A. Gradozzi

Earlene Gradozzi, 82, passed away on January 5, 2024, with her beloved husband holding her hand. Born on January 31, 1941, daughter of Earl and Genevieve (Shepard) Trotter. She graduated from West High in 1959. On July 12, 1960, she married the love of her life, Dominic Gradozzi. Earlene was a modest, loving, giving, and caring person. Her fulfillment came from the comfort and joy she brought to her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She showed her love with her home-cooked meals for any event or holiday, especially with her “famous” Italian salad. When her kids were in high school, she became an active member of the Harlem High School Fan’s Club. Earlene was a very likeable person and made friends wherever she went and treated everyone like family. She enjoyed her weekly family dinners and loved playing golf.

She will be missed by those who loved her most; her husband of 63 years, Dominic, her children Tami (Mickey) Goral, Dominic Gradozzi Jr., and Michelle (Ted) Gaffney; her beloved grandchildren twins Karley (Joe) Canale and Kiley Goral, Rachel (Ryan) McCaslin, Dominic (Megan) Gradozzi III, Chelsea (Jordan) Wheelock and Luke (Kelsey) Gaffney; great grandchildren Francesca and Lorenzo Canale, William Mumper, Gia McCaslin, Rosemary and Riley Gradozzi, Emma Wheelock and baby Murphy Wheelock (on the way) and Everett Gaffney; her loyal dog Buddy; her siblings Sandy Hecox, Nancy (Randy) MacMiller and Earl (Vonni) Trotter as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by both her parents and in-laws.

The family would like to extend their thanks for the comforting care given to Earlene by the staff at River Bluff, Blue Jay Unit and MercyHealth Hospice.

A visitation will take place for Earlene on Thursday, January 11, 2024, at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 1010 Ferguson Street, Rockford, Illinois 61102 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. with Memorial Mass to follow at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family. To send online condolences or share memories, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com