John E. Magnelia

John Eugene Magnelia

9 -12-65 ---- 1-18-21

It was a beautiful day on Sept. 12. 1965, when Stephan, 4, and Chris, 2, welcomed their new baby brother, John, into the family of Dr. Michael and Nancy Magnelia, Rockford, IL. The 3 brothers became inseparable and enjoyed their lives on Post Ave. and upper Harlem Blvd., and then starting in 1966, a summer cottage in an 1863 country schoolhouse, Argyle, Wis. 56 yrs. later the “Schoolhouse” is still the gathering place of family and friends, loved by all.

John graduated from Boylan Catholic High School in 1984 and attended Rock Valley College where he was named to the Dean’s list for scholastic achievement. He graduated from Iowa State University in 1993 with a degree in Landscape Architecture, and owned and operated his own business, Classic Landscape, for 23 yrs.

He left a legacy of love for his parents, his 2 brothers, sister-in-law Marie, 2 nieces Nicole and Sarah, and his friends. Many of his beautiful landscape designs can still be seen in Rockford.

He strongly believed and practiced what his maternal grandmother taught him, “The Golden Rule”---“Do unto others what you’d have them do onto you.”

At the end of a day of hard work he liked to sit in an antique chair at his place of business and, as he said, “Listen for a while, to the crickets chirping”--- and then to be royally welcomed at his home by Jojette and Vito—with the supreme unconditional love that only dogs can give.

A remembrance family gathering will be held, when the flowers bloom, at the Schoolhouse, where his ashes will be one with nature --- which he loved so much.

Memorials may be made in John’s name to Rockford Rescue Mission, 715 W. State St., Rockford, IL. 61102. Please, no flowers, no masses said. The Rescue Mission feeds 400 meals a day to hungry and lonely people. They will welcome your memorials.

Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory assisted the family. Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com