James H. Rilott

Rockford- James H. Rilott, 72, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, March 31, 2009 at 6:27 p.m. at Rockford Memorial Hospital. Born Dec. 31, 1936 in Berwyn, IL the son of Wilbert and Anna (Muehleisen) Rilott. Received a Bachelors degree from Monmouth College in Monmouth, IL. Served in the United States Army. Married his loving wife, Denise Desmarteau in Kankakee, IL on Aug. 27, 1960. James was the President of Atwood Corporation from which he retired and became the owner of Rockford Calibration. He has been a member of St. Bernadette Catholic Church since 1973 and was on their finance committee. Additional memberships include: SCORE, The United Way, Rock Valley Blood Bank, Promise Land, Jr. Achievement, Big Brothers/Sisters Club. He is a past president of Visiting Nurses Association and The Hemophilia Association and was on the Board of Directors for Rockford Memorial Hospital and ELCO. His hobbies include being an avid tennis player and a world traveler. James was an all around kind soul and was a man who dedicated his entire life to his family. The family wishes to extend a sincere and heartfelt thank you to the Surgical Staff at Rockford Memorial Hospital, Dr. Peter Marks and any additional staff involved with his care and wellbeing. Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Denise Rilott ; son, Kevin (Donna daughter-in-law, Kathleen Rilott all of Rockford; grandsons, Bryan Rilott II, Adam Rilott, David Rilott and Dominic Rilott, numerous nieces and nephews and several cherished friends and employees and someone very special to the family, Ashley Mirgain. Preceded in death by his parents, his son, Bryan in 1994 and brother, Ron. Funeral Service Saturday, April 4, 2009 at St. Bernadette Catholic Church 2300 Bell Ave. at 10:00 a.m. Interment in Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Winnebago. Visitation Friday, April 3, 2009 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Riverside Chapel 3910 N. Rockton Ave. from 5-7 p.m. with a Rosary to be recited at 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers memorials to the family for a fund to be established at a later date. Extend online condolence at: www.fitzgeraldfh.com