Gerald D. Sagona

Gerald D. Sagona, known to his friends as Jerry Sagona, 87, passed away on the morning of Sunday, August 21, 2022 at Ascension Living Saint Anne Place in Rockford, IL. Gerald was born in Rockford, IL on December 31, 1934. His parents were Joseph and Isabel (Melanas) Sagona. He graduated from East High School Rockford, class of 1952. He proudly served his country and was honorably discharged from the US Army. Gerald married the love of his life, Carol Ann (Gentinetti), on October 17, 1959 at St. James Catholic Church in Rockford, IL. The love and romance that they shared was commemorated by hundreds of love letters that they sent to each other during their courtship while he was in the Army. Gerald had a strong belief in his Catholic faith and was a member of St. Bernadette’s Catholic church for many decades.
Gerald was employed with A&P Grocery stores for over 20 years as a Journeyman Meat Cutter and Department Manager. In 1972, he was selected to serve as a Business Agent for the Amalgamated Meat Cutters and Butcher Workmen of North America later known as the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Union. Gerald rose through the ranks to become the Chief Executive Officer of the Union representing thousands of professional meat cutters and service employees throughout the state of Illinois during his career. He worked passionately to ensure that hard-working people were protected, treated well, and compensated fairly by their respective employers.
Since he was a young child, Gerald was a talented artist who enjoyed painting, sketching, and illustrating comics. He always enjoyed a good poker game and a round of golf with his friends. He enjoyed gardening each spring to grow the perfect zucchini and the juiciest tomatoes. Gerald was also an avid collector, cherishing the beauty of antiques and artifacts during various periods in history. Whether it was coins, German beer steins, American brilliant cut glass, or military items, Gerald marveled at the beauty and craftsmanship of the items he collected.
Gerald was a loving, caring, and wonderful son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather who cherished and cared for his family. He treasured the many friendships he made through his working career and his decades of involvement at the Verdi Club, Lombardi Club, Venetian Club, and Saint Ambrogio Society. His friendly demeanor and kind soul will be missed.
Those left to honor his memory include his daughter, Julianne Sagona and son, Gerald (Wendy) Sagona Jr.; grandson, Alexander Sagona, step-grandchildren, Collin and Ben Eckburg; sister-in-law, Durinda Sagona; nieces and nephews, Joe and John Sagona, Joe (Sandra) Sagona and Jane (Larry) Hans, Rick Tillou, and Karen (Harry) Darland and Bonnie Christiansen. Gerald is predeceased by his parents, wife, Carol, and brothers, Francis Sagona and Joseph Sagona.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 27, 2022, from 9:00 a.m.– 10:15 a.m. at St. Bernadette Catholic Church, 2400 Bell Avenue Rockford, IL 61103.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, August 27, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Bernadette Catholic Church, 2400 Bell Ave. Rockford, IL 61103.
Final resting place will conclude in Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Winnebago, IL.