Thomas E. Tisdale, Jr.

Thomas “Tommy” Edward Tisdale, Jr., 49, of Rockford died Friday, Feb. 20, 2015 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on Feb. 6, 1966 in Chicago the son of Thomas E. and Mary (Szarowicz) Tisdale, Sr. Tommy was a mechanic by trade and a free spirit by choice. He was a member of the AMC Club (American Muscle Car) and a fanatic car and motorcycle enthusiast. He was an avid follower of the Grateful Dead and enjoyed good times and lots of fun with his friends. Tommy was a great and generous man, with a big heart; he will be missed dearly by all.
Survivors include his father, Thomas E. (Carol) Tisdale, Sr. of Rockford; sisters, Elizabeth Knittel of Rockford and Julie (Mark) Kegel of Rockford ; nieces Katrina Mather, Amanda Herman and nephew, Ben Knittel; aunts, Cindy (Steve) Collier of Christopher, IL and Patty Jean Vanatta of Manistique, MI; his K9 companions, Allie and Pee-Wee. He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary.

Funeral Mass, Friday, February 27, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Edward Catholic Church, 3004 11th St. Rockford. Interment will be held in Arlington Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation Thursday, February 26, 2015 from 5-7 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford Chapel 1860 S. Mulford Rd. In lieu of flowers memorials in his name to Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary, 111 N. 1st. St. Rockford, IL 61107. Express online condolences at: www.fitzgeraldfh.com