Jerome T. Endencia

JEROME T. ENDENCIA, 72 Loving Husband, Father, Grandfather and Great-Grandfather   Jerome T. Endencia, 72, Rockford, died at 11:40 a.m. Monday, February 16, 2009 in his home.  Born September 22, 1936 in Chicago, son of Julian and Martha Carlson Endencia.  Veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving during the Korean Conflict. Married Teresita Encarnacion in Chicago on April 12, 1958.  Member of Holy Family Catholic Church and a 3rd degree member of Knights of Columbus Muldoon Council 470, a 4th degree member of the General Assembly 190, and Past Grand Knight.  Jerome was a self-made man of many accomplishments, including earning the honor of being an Eagle Scout. He was a very talented artist in several mediums, including painting and sculpting.  Tirelessly volunteered for many organizations including the Northwestern Illinois Area Agency on Aging. He was a former insurance agent for the Knights of Columbus and spent several years in the Philippines as a computer programmer, becoming the first president of the EDP Society. Jerome was presently the Executive Secretary for Grace Homes, an organization in which he was one of the founders and had laid the ground work for the entire development. The Endencia family spent many years living in the Philippines and one of the highlights were the numerous times Jerome spent delighting the children as the perfect Santa Claus.    Survivors include his wife, Teresita; children, Therese (Dante) Nagtalon, Ernie Endencia, Frances Endencia, Jerard Endencia and Julie (Steve) Medley; grandchildren, Florinda, Rose Marie, Lorie May, Allie, Stephanie and Samantha.  Also survived by his great-granddaughter Christine and his sister, Veanne Weidemann.  Predeceased by his daughter, Celestine and 3 brothers.    Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, February 19, 2009 in Holy Family Catholic Church with Rev. Andrew Hougan officiating.  Inurnment in Calvary Cemetery.  Visitation from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday in Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. with a Rosary to be recited at 7:30 p.m.  Visitation also from 9:00 a.m. until 9:45 a.m. on Thursday in the church.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family.    Condolences and memories may be shared at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.