Jesse C. Almond

Jesse C. Almond, passed away at the age of 80 in Rockford, Illinois after a hard fought battle with cancer. Born January 6, 1935 in Rockford, Illinois to Joseph and Evelyn Almond. He married his high school sweetheart Deloris Webb on August 8, 1953 and raised four boys in the Rockford area. Jesse spent his professional life serving as president of Almond Freight Lines beside his brother John and sister Joanne, until his retirement in 1996, at which time he escaped the cold weather and made his way to sunny St. Petersburg, Florida where he loved spending time on his boat.
Jesse was an active and adventurous person. He was an active pilot who, with his brother, enjoyed flying clients to Canada for fishing trips and South Dakota to pheasant hunt. He was also an avid trap shooter, shooting locally at the Plug and Pellet and traveling nationwide for shooting tournaments. Jesse loved to travel. He loved visiting Reno, Las Vegas, and Mexico.
What Jesse loved most of all was his family. Sundays were often spent with the entire family by the pool and cooking large family meals. He loved to spoil everyone, wishing nothing more than to see the smile on his loved ones faces. Jesse was charismatic and made friends wherever he went.
Jesse is survived by his sons John (Jeanne), Doug (Diane) and James. Grandson Joe (Serenity), whose loving care and devotion to his “Gramps” was unprecedented. Granddaughters Jessica (Adam) Stamper, Danielle Vanhorn, and Corina Shipley. Several great grandchildren. Brother John (Carolyn), sisters Joanne (Jim) Smith, Ruth Garrett. Many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parent, wife Deloris, son Daniel, brother Joseph (Gene), sister in law Mona, and granddaughter Tara Vannatta.
Memorials can be made in Jesse’s name to Hospice of America. Cremation rites accorded. Memorial service to be held Monday, August 24, 2015 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, 3910 North Rockton Avenue, Rockford, Illinois at 6pm. Visitation from 5pm until service time Monday at the funeral home. Express online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com