Thomas Charles Gentry

Thomas Charles Gentry, 87, Rockford, passed away Saturday, March 8, 2014, at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center. He was born April 20, 1926, in Los Angeles, CA, the son of Charles and Marie (Trousch) Gentry. Tom married Marion Deru in Los Angeles ,CA on April 12, 1947. He was a veteran of the Navy, serving during WWII on the escort carrier, the USS Sadior. Tom worked for the Chrysler Corporation for over 40 years, most recently as a Quality Manager. He was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church. Tom enjoyed playing golf, was an avid fan of University of Southern California and the LA Dodgers. He volunteered at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center for many years. Tom was a man who never met a stranger. He would easily strike up a conversation with anyone and he created many lifetime friendships. Most of all, Tom loved his family and especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. Special thanks to the nurses and staff at Provena Cor Mariae Center for their kind and compassionate care.
Survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Marion; his children, Yvonne (Joe) Maire of Houston, TX, Catherine (Reid Thebault) Duchon of Ann Arbor, MI, Diana (Michael Carrington) Broome of Atlanta, GA, Thomas (Patriece) Gentry II of Bloomington, and Mary (Michael) Roberts of Richmond, VA; 9 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents, his sister, Marilouise Thummel and his special friend, Sam Domenici.
Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, March 14, 2014, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 4401 Highcrest Rd. Rockford. Family burial will be at a later date. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Thursday, March 13, 2014, with a Wake Service with Rosary at 7:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Rockford and again from 9:00 a.m. until 9:45 a.m., Friday at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Tribute Program, P.O. Box 1000 Dept. 142, Memphis, TN, 38148-0142. Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com