Philip Stephen Cacciatore, Sr.

Philip Stephen Cacciatore, Sr., 68 years of age, passed away August 25, 2024, in Rockford, Illinois, surrounded by family at the home of loved ones. 

Born September 25, 1955, in Rockford, Illinois to parents Stephen S. and Velma C. (Ottinger) Cacciatore, Phil graduated from Guilford High School, then graduated from Baylor University, Waco, Texas in 1976 earning a bachelor’s degree in finance. He was a proud member of the Taurus Society fraternity at Baylor having made lifelong friends. Phil later married, fathering both his loving children, Stephanie Ann and Philip Stephen, Jr. Phil was the owner and operator of Cacciatore’s Main Meat Market for many years, later retiring as manager of the deli department at Schnuck’s Grocery, Rockford. Phil was an active member of his Thursday night bowling league for many years with his good friends Lon, Bob, Doug, Bart, Randy and Jeff. Being a big sports fan, Phil was a huge Dallas Cowboys fan. Anyone who knew Phil understood just what a die-hard Chicago Cubs fan he was. As a season ticket holder for many years, Phil coordinated many opening day bus trips to Wrigley Field. He loved taking his children to Cub games, knowing that the only way to watch the game was to listen at the same time as it was being announced on the radio, whether at home or at Wrigley Field! Having a deep passion for rock and roll music, Phil was an avid concert goer, attending many concerts of his favorite band, Blue Oyster Cult. Phil enjoyed taking Stephanie and Philip fishing as well as spending time on the boat with his friends and their children. Though, loving music, sports, family and friends, the role he was most happy with was being Papa to his grandchildren, spending time with them whenever he could. Phil always looked out for his loved ones helping them through difficult times, when a father’s love was needed most. Our dad and Papa is surely missed.

Those left to honor Phil’s memory are his children: daughter, Stephanie Ann Cacciatore (Bradley Fox), son, Philip Stephen Jr. (Ashley) Cacciatore; sister, Gina (John) Walsh; and girlfriend, Tammy McClintock. Those who will greatly miss their Papa are grandchildren: Skylar C. Ronan, Alexis T. Cacciatore, Dominick J. Lissa, Brooklynn A. Cacciatore, Nora J. Cacciatore, Stephen J. Cacciatore, Sophia M. Cacciatore and Phil’s newest, granddaughter Cacciatore, who will be arriving in October 2024; nieces Christi, Missy, and Amanda; Andrea and nephew Joe; special close friend, like a brother, Bill Walker, fraternity brothers, Craig and Jud, and many cousins.

Phil is predeceased by his parents, Stephen (Steve) and Velma, numerous aunts and uncles, and grandparents. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Phil’s family. A visitation will be held Thursday, September 5, 2024, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Rockford, IL 61108.

A private, family burial will take place at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Machesney Park, Illinois.