Gerald "Jerry" Bea

Gerald “Jerry” Bea, 88, passed away on Good Friday, April 15, 2022 in Rockford, Illinois. Born in Springfield, Illinois in 1933, the second of twelve children to Elmer and Mildred Bea. When Jerry was young, he and his family moved to Rockford and Jerry graduated from East High School in 1951. Not long after Jerry served in the Army as a paratrooper during the Korean war. He met the love of his life, Hazel, and they wed in 1957. As an older child in his family Jerry took on a patriarchal role in his family life that continued into his day-to-day life as an adult. Many people came to Jerry for his advice and wisdom, and he was always willing to help people in their time of need. He enjoyed talking to people and it showed that he cared. Jerry was a “friend of Bill W.” for 61 years since April, 1961.

He worked for Illinois Bell/AT&T for 37 years, and after retirement, worked for several more years as a contractor installing and repairing business telephone systems. He was well-known by the business community in Rockford.

He is survived by those who loved him most, his wife of 65 years, Hazel; his son David Bea; his siblings Judy Schmitt, Bonnie (John) Olesen, Jennifer (Stu) Ambrose, Jeffrey Bea, Javon (Vita) Bea and sister-in-law Mary Ann Bea; he is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; his siblings Gene (Anna) Bea, Joanne Green, Jimmy Bea, Janice (Denny) Atkinson, Jon Bea, Janelle Hagaman and brother-in-law Norbert Schmitt.

The family wishes to thank all the doctors, nurses, and health care workers at Mercy Health System for the compassionate care Jerry received.

A visitation will take place on Wednesday, April 20, 2022 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Road, Rockford, Illinois 61108. Visitation will continue the following day, Thursday, April 21, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. until the time of Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. at St. Edward Catholic Church, 3004 11th Street, Rockford, Illinois 61109. To send online condolences or share memories, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com.