Wallace J. Deporter

Wallace J. DePorter, 87, lifelong Rockford resident, died at 2:55 a.m. Sunday, April 3, 2011 in Provena St. Anne Center. Born December 6, 1923, son of Tafield and Ellen Ross DePorter. Married Victoria L. Mandella in Rockford on July 21, 1946. Navy veteran of WWII where he served in the European and African Campaigns and was a member of the Tin Can Sailors. Retired as a foreman in 1986 after 40 years of employment with Barber Colman Company. Following retirement he spent several years working for Pacific Bearing. Member of St. Bridget Catholic Church. When his sons were growing up, he was involved with them in Little League and Pony League baseball. Wally was an avid Disney fan and through the years he has done wonderful drawings of Disney characters for all of his grandchildren. He also enjoyed the Chicago Cubs and Bears.Survivors include his children, David DePorter, Vita (Javon) Bea, Mark DePorter and Gina (Jose) Valdez; grandchildren Kristen Trieloff, Michelle Anderson, Melissa Culver, Eric and Hunter DePorter, Rebecca Remick, Maria Neuner, Joanna, Theresa, and Javon Bea, Angela McNames, Garrett and Madeline DePorter and Joseph and Andrea LaLoggia. Survivors also include his great-grandchildren, Alex, Melissa and Adam Remick, Benjamin Neuner, Sophia and Ella Trieloff, Miles and Beckett Anderson, Bryn McNames and Kaden LaLoggia; sisters, Marie (Lee) McIntosh and Margaret Castle; sisters-in-law, Geanie (Keith) Caywood and JoAnn Mandella; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Predeceased by his wife, Vicky on September 20, 2007, parents, infant son who is buried in St. Mary/St. James Cemetery on August 24, 1947 and Granddaughter, Sara Bea.Memorial Mass at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 7, 2011 in St. Bridget Catholic Church with Rev. Burt H. Absalon officiating. Visitation from 9 a.m. until 9:45 a.m. at the church on Thursday. Private family inurnment in Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family for a memorial to be established. Arrangements were completed by Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Riverside Chapel, 3910 N. Rockton Ave. Express condolences and share memories at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.