Veto J. Santini

Veto J. Santini, 68, of Rockford, passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones Sunday, November 11, 2018. He was born August 4, 1950, in Rockford, Illinois, the son of Bertha (Cascio) and Veto A. Santini. Veto graduated from West High School, class of 1968 and went on to the University of Illinois. He was the first All American Football Player from Rockford and was recruited by Dick Butkus. Veto retired from the Rockford Fire Department after 27 years, where he was a driver and engineer. Veto loved to hunt in his younger years and enjoyed being outdoors, especially fishing. He was very patriotic and proud of his Italian heritage. He was inducted into the Italian American Hall of Fame on October 13, 2010 through GRIAA. He was a member of the Rockford Firefighters Local 413. Most of all Veto loved the time he spent with his family. He will be forever remembered as a loving son, brother, father, nanu, uncle and friend.
Survived by his loving mother, Bertha Santini; brother, Anthony D. Santini daughters, Stephanie Franchini, Cecelia Santini, Sara (Bradley) Goodwin; son, Veto P. (Angelina) Santini; grandchildren, David, Devin, Adrianna, Olivia, Carmela, Isabella, J.R., Trey, E.J., Lyric, Kyree, Veto G., Colson; friend, Lois Vaassen and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, personal friends and firefighter family. Predeceased by his father, Veto A. Santini; sister, Rosalind J. Santini and grandparents, Anthony (Rose Pumilia) Cascio.
Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, November 16, 2018 at St. Bridget Catholic Church, 600 Clifford Ave, Loves Park, IL 61111. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with Rosary recited at 7:45 p.m. Thursday, November 15, 2018 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Rockton Chapel, 3910 N. Rockton Ave Rockford, IL 61103 and again Friday at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Firefighters Relief Association of the Rockford Fire Department. Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com