Philip R. Sheridan

Philip R. Sheridan, 97, of Rockford died Friday, April 3, 2009 at Wesley Willows Retirement Center after a brief illness. Born April 20, 1911 in Thomson, IL, the son of Thomas and Edith Sheridan. Attended Thomson Public Schools and helped run the family farm with his parents, brothers and sisters until leaving in 1937 to pursue a career in Rockford industry. Philip soon became employed at Rockford Clutch, a division of the Borg-Warner Corporation, where during his 36 years of service, he worked both as a machinist and a set-up engineer until his retirement in 1973. In 1939 Philip married his longtime sweetheart, LaRetta Dollinger of Mt. Carroll, IL, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Together they created a loving home environment in which they raised two children, Ernie and Craig. Being a life-long learner, Philip pursued and developed many interests including playing the piano; assuming numerous leadership roles of church counsel member, Sunday school director and choir member at the former Messiah Lutheran Church; served as a volunteer firefighter with West Suburban Fire Department for 8 years; avidly embracing bowling, gardening and volunteer work; and ""tinkering"" with his Model T Ford that led to a membership in the Rockford Model T Ford Club. He will be remembered for his loving devotion to his wife, children and grandchildren, and his determination to achieve his best at whatever he pursued. Survivors include his sons Ernest (Stephen) and Craig (Rose grandchildren Tricia and Chad (Marta) Sheridan; and Trisha and Crystal Wolford; brother Francis and nieces Patricia, Paulette, Cindy, Lori and Cathleen. Predeceased by his wife LaRetta on March 31, 1998; his daughter-in-law Marolyn on March 19, 1995; his parents, Thomas and Edith Sheridan; his brothers Rollin and Paul; his sisters Ruth, Kay and Jeanine. Funeral Service will be Tuesday, April 7, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. in United Lutheran Church, 3630 N. Rockton Ave., Rockford, IL 61103 with the Rev. Norwood Knutson officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service in the church. Interment to follow in Willwood Burial Park. Memorials can be made to the United Lutheran Church, the American Heart Association, 208 LaSalle St. No.1500, Chicago, IL 60604 or the American Cancer Society, 4312 E. State St., Rockford, IL 61108. A special thank you to Wesley Willows staff members for their loving kindness to our father and his family. The family was assisted by Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Riverside Chapel, 3910 N. Rockton Ave., Rockford, IL 61103. To express condolences to the family online please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com.