Vito J. Rotello

Vito J. Rotello, 73, passed away at home surrounded by his beloved family in Rockford on November 21, 2021. He was born on December 28, 1947 in Rockford, son to Frank and Eleanor (Nibbio) Rotello. Vito attended St. Anthony grade school and later graduated from Boylan High School Class of 1965. Vito earned his Associate’s Degree from Rock Valley College where he was elected captain of the baseball team. When he was in his early teens, he became neighbors with Gay “Gigi” Schlie. Vito and Gigi decided to spend the rest of their lives together when they married on August 23, 1969. They were active with their faith, attending St. Bernadette Catholic Church for many years and most recently St. Bridget Catholic Church. Vito also wanted to serve his country and enlisted in the Marine Corp Reserves from 1968 to 1973. He worked for ComEd for over 35 years and retired in 2005 as an Area Operator. Upon retirement Vito wanted to stay active so he started working at Farm & Fleet where he always enjoyed meeting new people. Later in life Vito also found a passion for golfing, and looked forward to his weekly Friday tee time. Vito loved to keep busy whether inside or outdoors working in the yard. In recent years he found time to relax by sitting on the deck and simply watching the birds with Gigi.

He will be missed by those who loved him most, his wife of 52 wonderful years, Gigi; their daughters Amy (Jasen) Heideman and Emily (Phil) Drennan; grandchildren Hayden, Alivia, Hannah, Eliot, Miles and Cecilia; his siblings Frank (Janet) Rotello, Lou (Nanci) Rotello, Claire (Dr. Paul) Galluzzo, and sister in law Gail (Bill) Finch; and numerous nieces and nephews. Vito is also survived by his special Aunt Frances Nibbio and many dear aunts, uncles and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents, nephew Jeff Smith, and several extended family members. Thank you to the special doctors and nurses for the care and compassion they provided Vito. Special thanks to everyone who helped pray for Vito and provided extra care and support to the entire family.

Funeral Mass will be on Tuesday, November 30, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Bridget Catholic Church, 600 Clifford Ave, Loves Park, Illinois 61111. A visitation will take place from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass. Private family burial at Calvary Catholic Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Poor Clare Colettine Nuns (http://www.poorclares.org/donations). To send online condolences, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com