George E. Mcbride

George E. McBride, 89 of Rockford died after a brief illness on Monday, Feb. 25, 2013 at Rockford Memorial Hospital. Born Feb. 22, 1924 in Xenia, IL the son of Gerald and Mary (Schaffer) McBride. After graduating High School George entered into the US Army and later married his loving wife, Rita Hahn of West Brooklyn, IL. Worked for Bell Beverage as a driver and salesman until he retired after 23 years. He and Rita also were the owners of Elmers Place, Marys Place and ALIBI Inn. A member of St. Bernadette Catholic Church in Rockford, the COF, Moose Lodge, American Legion and the YMCA Retired Mens Club. George was an avid sports enthusiast who faithful cheered on his Chicago White Sox, Bull and Bears. He also enjoyed gardening, yard work and traveling. The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to his God Daughter, Kim (Bob) Purcell and their son Adam and to the Drs, nurses and staff in the ICU at Rockford Memorial Hospital. Survivors include his wife Rita of Rockford; his son, Michael of Rockford; brother, Robert of Lee Center; sisterinlaw, Deanna McBride of Rockford and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents and 8 siblings. Funeral Mass Saturday, March 2, 2013 at 10 a.m. at St. Bernadette Catholic Church. Visitation Friday, March 1, 2013 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Riverside Chapel, 3910 N. Rockton Ave. from 57 p.m and continues on Saturday at church from 9 a.m. until time of prayer at 9: 45 a.m. Burial will follow the Mass in West Brooklyn, IL at St. Mary Cemetery at 12:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers please have a Mass said in his name at St. Bernadette Catholic Church.