Vincent V. Verace

Vincent V. Verace, 92, Rockford, passed away on March 23, 2024, in Belvidere. He was born on February 22, 1932, in Rockford, the son of Vincenzo and Josephine (Gulotta) Verace. Vince graduated from West High School in 1950 where he was captain of the swim team and made many lifelong friends. 

He met his wife Gloria M. Ruefer, 1951 Muldoon graduate, at his father’s restaurant The 5 Points Drive-in in Rockford, IL, where she was a car-hop waitress. The two were married on February 7, 1953. They raised six beautiful children, Michael, Susan, Vince, Jim, Anne and Ron. 

Vince was always grateful for the opportunity to be self-employed and enjoyed the support of his family throughout his endeavors. He started his career with a small grocery business at the age of 20. The following years were spent in the restaurant business. He was the owner of The Grotto Restaurant for over 29 years, partnered with son Michael Verace for 15 years at Michael’s Restaurant and owned two Maid-Rite Sandwich Shops in Rockford and South Beloit.

Vince attempted retirement in 1998 but was excited to find a second calling as the owner of Hickory Knolls Golf Range and Mini Putt for 12 years. Vince often said that “getting up in the morning to gather up golf balls and cutting grass with his big green tractor” were some of the best times of his life.

He is survived by his children, Michael (Jeannie) Verace, Susan (Michael) McGarry, and Ronald Verace; his sister, Anita (Tony) Mioni; his son-in-law Thomas Lindquist; his grandchildren, Sarah Verace, Camille (Lex) Boccia, Bridget (Jared) Roskamp, Michael (Abigail) McGarry, Gunnar, Lael, and Leif Verace; his great-grandchildren, Ziya, Eszie, Isaiah, Luke, Andrew, and baby McGarry soon to arrive, along with his many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his wife, Gloria; his children, Jim Verace, Vince Verace and Anne Lindquist; his brothers, Charles Verace, and Samuel Verace. 

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Rita Catholic Church on Friday, April 5, at 11:00 AM followed by a burial at Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Arrangements were completed by Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel. Please send condolences and share online memories at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.