John S. Montana

John S. Poppie Montana, 75, Rockford, passed away Sunday, January 9, 2011, surrounded by his loving family.nbsp; He was born March 27, 1935, in Rockford, the son of Pete and Catherine (Maggio) Montana.nbsp; John married Marilyn Konitski in Rockford on July 9, 1955.nbsp; She passed away on May 21, 2009.nbsp; He worked for the State of Illinois Department of Transportation for many years.nbsp; John was a member of St. Rita Catholic Church.nbsp; John enjoyed fishing and was an avid bird watcher, but most of all, he loved spending time playing with his grandchildren.

Survived by his daughters, Melanie (Steve) Benney of Rockford and Marie (Don) Ciardullo of Phoenix, AZ; grandchildren, Austin Gille, Alyssa (Danny Flores) Gille-Flores,nbsp; and Sophia Ciardullo; great-granddaughter, Bella Flores and great-grandson, Dawson Flores, and great-grandson, Cayden John-Samuel due in April; 2 sisters, Rosie Sandoval and Anne (Leonard) Swanson, both of Rockford; 3 brothers, Tom (Jackie) Montana, James (Ruth) Montana, and Charlie (Barb) Montana, all of Rockford; many nieces and nephews.nbsp; Predeceased by his wife, Marilyn, his parents, 3 brothers and 2 sisters.nbsp; Special thanks to Heartland Hospice.

Funeral services will be at 10:00am, Friday, January 14, 2011, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Rockford, IL 61108.nbsp; Entombment in Calvary Catholic Cemetery Mausoleum.nbsp; Visitation from 9:00am until time of service on Friday at the funeral home.nbsp; Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.