Gary L. Pickett

Gary L. Pickett, 68, of Rockford, passed away on Monday, September 4, 2017, surrounded by his family. Gary was born in Janesville, Wisconsin on June 18, 1949; son of Doyle and Evelyn (Turner) Pickett, and he grew up in the state of Washington until he was a teenager. Gary married the love of his life, Norberta (Hernandez) Pickett in Rockford on November 16, 1968, and for 49 years they lovingly raised and took care of their family. Gary proudly served his country in the United States Army in 82nd Airborne Unit. Gary was owner and operator of Gary’s Auto Sales since 1996. He started from nothing and built a very successful business where he touched so many lives and knew the names of every single customer that came in. He will be dearly missed by all that had the chance to know him. Gary was a family man first and foremost and he enjoyed family gatherings such as cookouts, holidays and Sunday dinners surrounded by family and friends. Gary enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson 3 Wheeler ”grandmas rocking chair” with his wife and taking family rides to Poopy’s. He was a Green Bay Packer fan and liked his antiques, especially antique cars. He started his life from humble beginnings and because of his hard work, perseverance, and drive for his family, Gary was able to accomplish a good life for his loved ones. The time he spent with his family was most important to Gary, and they will forever remember his love and dedication to them. Gary was a good and loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend.

Gary is survived by his loving wife, Norberta Pickett; children, Tom (Rosa Alvarado) Wing, Mark (Danielle) Pickett, Kathy (Mario) Calderon; grandchildren, Tristana (Ross) Tripoli, Alyssa Wing, Ashley (fiancé, Seth Swineheart) Pickett, Mark Pickett II, Brianna (Curtis) Pickett, Albert Rodriguez, Rosemary Rodriguez, Alex Rodriguez, Jonathan Calderon, and Isabella Calderon; great granddaughter, Sophia Gabriella Pickett; siblings, Earl (Letti) Pickett, Cheryl (Jay) Henderson, Rick (Dolly) Pickett; special cousins, Richard Bauer, Mike Bauer Sr., Connie (Reggie) Duhr, Keith Turner, Dave, Kevin, and Wayne Bauer; nieces and nephews, Ricky, Tammy, Kim, Jason, and Kristina.

He is predeceased by his parents, and his son, Fred Pickett in 2015.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 10, 2017; with a visitation starting at 10:00 a.m. until time of service at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, 1860 S. Mulford Rd., Rockford, IL, 61108, with Reverend Dean Parker officiating. Burial will immediately follow to Scandinavian Cemetery. To share memories and condolences, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com