Michael A. Librandi

Priest, Loving Brother, BrotherInLaw, Uncle, and Great UncleRev. Michael A. Librandi, 71, of Rockford, died peacefully in his sleep on Monday, July 16, 2012. Born April 3, 1941 in Chicago to Anthony and Bernice (Schuster) Librandi. Father was ordained to the priesthood on September 30, 1978 in Galena, IL by Bishop Arthur J. O'¢Neill. His assignments over the years included Youth Minister for the Freeport Deanery; Diocesan Youth Minister for the Rockford Diocese; Pastor of SS Peter & Paul Parish, Virgil; Pastor of St. John the Evangelist Parish, Hanover; Pastor of St. Joseph Parish, Lena and Pastor of Holy Trinity Parish, Scales Mound. He retired in 2003, but was currently Chaplain at Provena Cor Mariae, Rockford and assisted at Masses at St. Bridget Parish in Loves Park. Father Librandi was former President, and current VicePresident of the Rockford International Breakfast Club. Father Mike was an animal lover, especially of ducks and chickens which he raised at various times in his life. He especially was involved with ducks at TukaWay located in Jo Daviess County. TukaWay was a bed and breakfast retreat center that Father Mike founded and operated. He was the inspiration behind the development of the CHURCH religious education program which was rated number two in the United States. He was also the author of several religious education books. One of Father Mike'¢s great passions was model railroading which he shared with many friends. Father Librandi was a true peopleperson. Wherever he went, he made friends and touched their lives in a positive way. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.Father Librandi is survived by two sisters, Charlene (Dick) Hennessey , Chicago and Laurine (Bill, Father'¢s best friend) Easton, Rockford; five nieces and nephews, Denise (Dr. Dave) Gimmarro, David Hennessey, Michael (Christiana) Easton, Eileen (Brad Reiners) Easton, and Karen (Josh) Rubel; and grandnieces and grandnephews, Kathleen Gimmarro, Annemarie Easton, Alexander Easton, Michelle Easton, Zachary Easton, Brandon Rubel, and a grandniece on the way. Predeceased by his parents.Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 21, 2012 at St. Rita Catholic Church, 6254 Valley Knoll Drive. The Most Reverend David J. Malloy will officiate, with Bishop Emeritus Thomas G. Doran giving the homily. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Friday, July 20, 2012, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Road. Visitation will also be from 9:00 a.m. until 10:15 a.m. on Saturday at the church. Interment in Calvary Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children'¢s Research Hospital, 501 Saint Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105 or to the family for a future memorial to be established.