Jorge E. Carrion

Jorge E. Carrion, 88, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on March 16, 2022. Born in Castilla, Peru, South America, on August 9, 1933, Jorge was the son of Manuel and Mercedes (Ibarburo) Carrion and spent his childhood years living in northern Peru. In August 1963, at the local service station, he took notice of a beautiful girl, Elisa Flores Vildoso, and invited her to a dance in their small town. Just four months later, they were married on December 14. They settled in Toquepala, in Tacna, Peru, staying there until they moved to Ilo, Peru, in 1973. That first dance led to four beautiful daughters, four devoted sons-in-law, six grandchildren, and many long-lasting friendships.

Many people depended on and were encouraged by Jorge throughout his life. He charmed co-workers and colleagues and was loved personally and professionally by many. Jorge never hesitated to help friends and family find work, housing, and most importantly, friendship through his strong network of acquaintances and contacts.

He led a notable career during his 34 years at Southern Peru Copper Corporation and continued his career in the United States at Pfizer in Rockford, Illinois. Jorge enjoyed serving the community through his work with the Lions Club of Ilo, Peru, and service organizations for the Peruvian Navy. He appreciated many things in life —a scotch on the rocks before a fine meal, attending a live soccer match (“Y dale U!”), traveling with his family, and being with forever friends.

His greatest joy came from spending time with his family. Above all else, he was a very hard worker and a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend who all will miss. He will live on in the hearts of the many people whose lives he touched.

Our Abuelo will be missed by those who loved him most, his wife of 58 years, Elisa; his daughters, Gabriela (Terry) Johnson; Susana (Rafael Reaño) Carrion; Patricia (William) D’Amico; Silvia (Nathan) Mascenic, and his grandchildren, Michaela and Miranda Johnson, Catalina Reaño, Paloma D’Amico, Cora and Sawyer Mascenic; brothers, Oscar and Miguel Carrion; sister, Flor Chavez-Valdivia; nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Luis and Manuel Carrion, and sister, Matilde Felipa.

In remembrance of Jorge’s life, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation. We send a special thanks to the nurses and staff of Northern Illinois Hospice for their loving care and support.

A memorial mass for Jorge will be held on Monday, March 21, 2022, at 11:00 a.m., at St. Bridget Catholic Church, 600 Clifford Ave, Loves Park, Illinois 61111. Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory assisted the family. To send online condolences or memories, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com