Vincent Joseph Danca

Vincent J. Danca, 82, of Rockford, died peacefully Aug. 22nd after a short battle with Lymphoma. Vince was born to Vincent and Jennie Danca in Lake Geneva, WI on August 3, 1932 and graduated from Lake Geneva High School in 1950. While serving in the Marine Corps, he had two tours of duty in Korea, receiving many medals for his service. Vince was forever grateful for the G.I. Bill graduating from the University of Wisconsin in 1958 with a degree in journalism. He was employed by Ziff-Davis Publishing Co. in New York City from 1959-1962. On August 25, 1962 he married Judy Dornfeld in Madison, WI. Vince and Judy moved to Rockford in 1963 where Vince began his long career as a public school teacher. He taught at Lincoln Middle School from 1963-1969 and then English at East High School from 1969-1991. Vince also worked for WREX-TV as a weather forecaster from 1966-1986.

He loved jazz music, playing the trumpet in RVC's Community Jazz Band, collecting big band music, and even publishing a jazz calendar from 1983-2003. Vince was a voracious reader enjoying everything from the works of Shakespeare to the detailed accounts of WWII. He was also a member of the University of Wisconsin Alumni Association, Rockford Writer's Guild, Rockford Jazz Society, Holy Family Church and the H-3-1 Korean Battalion Group. He thoroughly enjoyed his mall-walker friends at Cherryvale and his Tuesday lunch group at Stockholm Inn. Vince loved a good joke and entertained many with his quick wit. We will miss him everyday and he will always be a "10" on the Danca Factor.

Vince is survived by his wife of 52 years, Judy, and their three children: Mary Ellen (Mike) Strandquist of Atlanta, Jim Danca and Nancy Alt of Rockford; six grandchildren Natalie, Christian and Adam Strandquist, and Nolan, Graham and Emery Alt and his faithful dog, Shadow. Vince was predeceased by his father, mother and sister, Josephine Danca. We want to thank Dr. Khan and Mike and Ellie from Transitions Hospice for their care and compassion in his final days.

Visitation will be at Fitzgerald Funeral Home on 1860 S. Mulford Rd on Monday August 25th from 4-7 pm. Funeral Mass will be at Holy Family Catholic Church, 4401 Highcrest Rd, Tuesday August 26th at 10:30am with visitation from 9:30 until 10:15am Tuesday in the church. Fr. Gerard Christianson officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to: Leukemia & Lymphoma Society or American Heart Association. Express online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com