John R. "Jack" Hackett

John R. "Jack" Hackett 85 of Rockford passed away Friday, February 7, 2014 in his home. He was born September 6, 1928 in Dixon, IL, the son of Avon and Madolin Coover Hackett. He graduated from Dixon High School, class of "46". Jack attended Drake University and Rockford School of Business. He served in the US Army from 1950 – 1952. He married Mary Jane Solon in St. Mary's Church on June 28, 1952. Jack worked for Barber Colman 24 years before moving to Rockford Clinic as Director of Accounting. He retired in 1994. He was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church.
Jack was a devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather. Door County and the western National Parks were favorite family camping destinations. Vacations to Ireland, the Canadian Rockies, Hawaii, Nova Scotia and Alaska were also enjoyed by Jack and Mary. Hobbies included music and reading, with particular interest in American history of the west and the Civil War. He spent extensive time researching and writing a genealogical narrative on his family.
Survivors include his wife Mary of Rockford. Children, John R., Jr (Susan) Hackett of Libertyville and Carolyn (Dan) Kendell of Batavia. Grandchildren, Allison Reisel, Paige Kendell and Andrew Kendell. Cousins, Eleanor (Jack) Metcalf of Louisville, KY and Kathy (Alan) Hall of Rockford. Sister-in-law Patricia Solon Rogers and numerous nieces, nephews. Predeceased by his parents. The family wishes to thank Drs. Joe Ross, Harvey Einhorn, Prakash Pedapati and Northern Illinois Hospice for their compassionate care.
Funeral mass at 11:30 Saturday, February 15, 2014 in Holy Family Catholic Church 4401 Highcrest Rd, Rockford, IL 61107. Visitation from 5pm until 8pm Friday, February 14 in Fitzgerald Funeral Home 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Visitation also from 10:30 until 11:15 Saturday in the church. In lieu of flowers memorials to Northern Illinois Hospice 4215 Newburg Rd, Rockford, IL 61108 or to the family. Express online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com