Cyril M. Petrak

Cyril Methodius Petrak died Friday, December 18, 2020.

Cy was born in Pittsburgh, PA on June 1, 1946 to John and Ann (Liscik) Petrak. His service in the United States Air Force as a jet engine mechanic led to his pursuit of a bachelor’s degree in Aviation Maintenance Management at Lewis College in Lockport, IL. He met his wife, Kathleen, in college and was thrilled to learn that she was from Rockford, IL, home of Sundstrand Corporation, manufacturer of the products he worked on in the service. After graduation he was determined to get a job there. He was hired in Technical Publications and retired as a manager 36 years later. His retirement was filled with his grandchildren, woodworking, walking in the woods and making himself available to help family and friends whenever needed. He and Kathleen enjoyed traveling, including pilgrimages to the Holy Land, Italy and Ireland with Fr. David Peck. A longtime member of St. Rita Catholic Church, Cy was a Eucharistic Minister, Sacristan and Altar Server for many years. He will be remembered as a kind, giving and humble man who loved his family and encouraged them in their faith by his example.

Cy is survived by his wife of 47 years, Kathleen; son, Andrew (Carrie) Petrak; daughter, Kathryn (James) Phelps of Chicago, IL; grandchildren, Grace, Kara and Matthew Petrak, Thora Phelps and Lauren Pagani; brother, Tom Petrak of Woonsocket, RI; sister-in-law, Mary Petrak of Hollidaysburg, PA; brother-in-law, Ken Kellaney of Phoenix, AZ; mother-in-law, Nadene Kellaney of Sun Lakes, AZ; many nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends, Mark and Julie Trojniar.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Barbara Rogers; brother, Dave Petrak and father-in-law, Bob Kellaney.

Celebration of the Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Rita Catholic Church on Tuesday, December 29, 2020 at 10:00 AM. Cremation rites will be accorded following services. Visitation will be held Monday, December 28, 2020 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel from 5:00-7:00 PM with a rosary at 6:45 PM. Those attending must wear masks and follow social distancing guidelines to allow 10 people in the funeral home at a time. Final resting place will be in Calvary Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Boylan Educational Foundation, 4000 Saint Francis Drive, Rockford, IL 61103 or St. Rita Catholic Church, 6254 Valley Knoll Drive, Rockford, IL 61109.

Arrangements entrusted to Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory. Share online memories and condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.