Peter M. MacKay

Born to Kenneth and Virginia MacKay in Rockford on August 26, 1933, Pete passed away on December 13, 2011. Pete graduated from West High School in 1951 and served proudly in the United States Army, gaining the rank of drill sergeant. He worked for General Finance Corporation throughout the 1960's and later served as a police officer for the City of Chicago. Pete ran MacKay Sign Co., which his father established, for more than 50 years and enjoyed a long career as a talented artist, specializing in political cartoons, which should surprise no one. A stalwart conservative, he was the longest serving member of the Winnebago County Board, representing District 5 nearly without interruption from 1978 to 2009. From 2001 - 2009 he served as the Rockford Township Highway Commissioner. He graduated from the University of Illinois Leadership Institute in 2008. Pete was an avid private pilot (and a founding member of the Polish Air Force), EAA member, 33rd Degree Scottish Rite Mason, Tebala Shriner and Knights Templar. Pete married Rose Marie "Rosie" Chaon on April 24, 1980 and missed her each day since her death in January, 2009. He will be missed, remembered and cherished by his daughters, Margot (Efrain) Castillo and Meredith MacKay, granddaughters, Ariana Elise and Ava Marie Castillo, best friends Frank Manzullo and Ken Becker, and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. Pete leaves behind a legacy of plainspoken honesty, integrity, service, grit, guts and glory. Go Illini! Pete was preceded in death by his parents, wife, sister (Kathleen Leonard) and brother (Dave MacKay). The family wishes to thank the staff of the Heart Hospital at Swedish American. Visitation will be held on Friday, Dec. 16 at Sundberg Funeral Home at 215 N. 6th St. from 4 - 8 p.m. and funeral will be held Saturday, Dec. 17, 2011 at St. Edward Church at 3004 11th St. at 10:00 a.m. In honor of Pete, feel free to wear orange and blue. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Pete MacKay Memorial Fund for disbursement to charity, which will include the University of Illinois Scholarship fund.

Friday, Dec. 16 in Sundberg Funeral Home at 215 N. 6th St. from 4 - 8 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 17, 2011 in St. Edward Church at 3004 11th St. at 10:00 a.m.

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