All Obituaries

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**Obituary for Melecio Alvarez Velasco** Melecio Alvarez Velasco, age 79, of Rockford, Illinois, passed away on February 24, 2026. Born on January 15, 1947, in Mexico, Melecio embarked on a journey to America at the age of 18, full of dreams and aspirations. He initially settled in California, where he raised his children and met his beloved wife. The son of Rosario Álvarez and Pedro Velasco, Melecio began working in the agricultural fields at the tender age of 12. This early ...

Sipriano Castro "The Great One" Sipriano Castro, 70, passed away on February 23, 2026. Born on July 26, 1955, in Elkhorn, Sipriano later made his home in Rockford, where he lived for many years and built a life centered around hard work, family, and the simple joys that brought him happiness. Sipriano dedicated his career to Powertrain Rockford Inc., where he began working in 1972. His many years of service reflected his strong work ethic, loyalty, and ...

**Obituary for Debra Lou Wadsworth**   Debra Lou Wadsworth, age 71, of Rockford, passed away on Friday, January 30th, at OSF St. Anthony Hospital. She was born on May 12, 1954, in Dixon, Illinois, to Lloyd and Yvonne (Smith) Doeden. Debra graduated from Polo High School, Class of 1972, and later married Tony Wadsworth on May 6, 1978. A passionate gardener, Debra found joy in nurturing her plants and sharing that love with others. She is survived by her husband, Tony Wadsworth; ...

Jorge Hernandez Rivera, 66, of Rockford, passed away on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at Javon Bea-Mercy Hospital. He was born on January 21, 1962, to Manuel and Carmen (Rivera) Hernandez. Jorge was united in marriage to Irene Rosas on August 8, 1992. He was a loving husband, a devoted brother, and a cherished uncle, treating each of his nieces and nephews as if they were his own children. A passionate soccer fan, Jorge's heart belonged to Cruz Azul, and in his younger years, he was a talented ...

Fredie Delaine Derrington, 72, of Winnebago, Illinois, passed away on Monday, January 26, 2026, at Generations, surrounded by his loving family. Born on August 12, 1953, in Rockford, he was the son of Fred R. and Alaray L. (Dunn) Derrington. Fred graduated from Jefferson High School with the Class of 1971, and in 1983, he married Kimberly McDonald. Fred valued hard work and took great pride in his ability to create. As a master mold maker and designer, he dedicated his career to crafting ...

Aracelio Nieves Cruz, April 15, 1956 - January 19, 2026. With deep sadness and sorrow, we announce the passing of Mr. Aracelio Nieves Cruz (Celin), at the age of 69, on January 19, 2026, at his home in Rockford, Illinois. Born on April 15, 1956, in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, he was the son of the late Félix Nieves and Anatolia Cruz. He married Mrs. Josefa Vega Barrera in April 1977 in Maricao, Puerto Rico, where they had five wonderful children. He was a skilled craftsman and an ...

Our sweet Angel was born on July 25, 2011, in Rockford, Illinois. Izamary Ivette Rivera Padilla was the beloved child of Yazmin Padilla-Sanchez and Raul Rivera. She brought light and laughter to everyone she met. Izamary attended Jefferson High School and had a passion for music, an adventurous spirit, and unwavering kindness. Izamary's sudden departure leaves a void in the hearts of many. Known for her amazing smile and infectious laughter. She lived a life of joy and will be deeply missed ...

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Anthony George Tzemopoulos on January 10, 2026, at the age of 41. Born on May 11, 1984, to George and Martha (Anestopoulos) Tzemopoulos. Anthony was a devoted husband, father, son, and brother, leaving behind a legacy of love and cherished memories. He is survived by his wife, Ginger (Cieslak), Tzemopoulos, and their children, Constantine, Theodore, and Angelica Tzemopoulos. He is also mourned by his brother, Dimitrios George Tzemopoulos, and ...

Lee Rodewald, born on {3/26/1953}, passed away peacefully on {1/5/2026}. He was the son of Gerald and Marlyne Rodewald. Lee graduated from Harlem High School in {1971} and furthered his education at Rock Valley College. He married Cheryl Rodewald on {January 23, 1998}. A dedicated volunteer, Lee served as a firefighter in Durand for many years and took great joy in working on various projects in his home shop. He is survived by his beloved wife, Cheri; his brothers, Steve and Jeff Rodewald; ...