Vernon F. Sheedy

Vernon F. Sheedy, 90, Rockford, died Thursday, May 6, 2010, in his home surrounded by his loving family and friends. Born April 23, 1920 in Seneca, son of Frank and Catherine Nagle Sheedy. Graduated from Seneca High School in 1938. Married Dorothy G. Johnson in Seneca on May 4, 1946. Employed by J.L. Clark for 40 years as Corporate Paymaster, retiring in 1986. Member of Holy Family Catholic Church and former long-time member of the Cathedral of St. Peter where he was an usher for many years. Also former member of the Knights of Columbus. He was a WWII Veteran of the United States Army Air Corps serving as the Company Clerk of the 100 th Bomb Group, 1141 st Quartermaster Company. He was actively involved in the Groups Reunions for many years. Scouting was a very integral part of Verns life. He had been a Cub Pack and Boy Scout leader and the Committee Chairman for 25 years. He could always be counted on to provide the coffee and other treats. He was also involved in Junior Achievement and SCORE. Verns family was always his priority. He coordinated the family reunions every year and was the appointed Activity Director of the wonderful times spent at Lake Ripley.Our Dad was a wonderful man, and his family is so blessed to call him Dad and Grandpa. He loved life and encouraged others to do so. He and his wife thoroughly enjoyed raising their children. It is rare in ones life to be raised by not just one Hero, but two of them. In the tradition of Vern, his family "hang on to the rope" and continue to dance through life as he taught them. Survivors include his son, Joseph M. Sheedy (Diana) of Gurnee, IL; son Douglas P. Sheedy (Debbie) of Bowling Green, KY; daughter, Colleen A. Frayn (George) of Chicago, IL; daughter, Lynn M. Gibson of Rockford, IL; daughter, Joanne C. Carlson (Will) of Rockford, IL; son, Mark J. Sheedy (Diana) of Austin, TX; grandchildren, Pamela, Jeff, Katriena, Jimmy, Matt, Bryan, Samantha, Kyle, Scott, Kent, Clarissa, Chelsey, Mark, Bryn, Taylor, Chris, Chester, Chloe, Megan, Raeanne, Rick, Benny, Ryan and Santino; great grandchildren, Brianna, Connor, Paige, Carson, and Emma; sister, Venita (George) Webster; many nieces, nephews, relatives, friends and special friend, Betty Leech. Predeceased by his wife, Dorothy on November 1, 1999; brothers, Virgil and Vale; sisters, Virgine and Vivian; and granddaughter, Taryn. Funeral Mass at 10:30 am on Monday, May 10, 2010 at Cathedral of St. Peter with Rev. Kevin Butler officiating. Visitation from 3-8:00 pm on Sunday, May 9 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Rd, and from 9:30-10:15 am on Monday at the church. Burial in Calvary Catholic Cemetery. The family would like to thank OSF St. Anthony Homecare and Hospice and the nurses at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center. Memorials may be made in Vernons name to Boy Scout Troop No.37 at Cathedral of St. Peter or to OSF St. Anthony Hospice.