Michael Guzzardo

Michael Thomas Guzzardo, aka Little Mike, age 60 went home to be with the Lord at 7:15pm on Saturday, January 28th after visits from many of his family and friends. He passed peacefully after an aggressive battle with a brain tumor discovered in September. Born February 8, 1951 in Rockford to father, Anthony Guzzardo and mother Betty Kendall Guzzardo, he is survived by his father and stepmother Gerri of Freeport, and 5 brothers and sisters, Tony, Ricky, Johnny, Mary and Kathy. He lived and worked his entire life in the Rockford and Chicago area as a journeyman plumber, contractor, inspector and finally as a union plumber in area nuclear plants. Always a happy man who shared his joy, and friendly to everyone he met, he enjoyed his work and talking over coffee or good food with family and friends as often as he could. He developed diverse skills in plumbing, wiring, framing, dry wall, painting, welding, and custom work on his vintage Harley Davidson 3wheeler, but he specialized in teaching his son and grandsons and the many apprentices that worked with him over his 40 year career. In 1969 he married wife of 29 years, Linda Shores, in Belvidere and they have one son, Nick, and two grandsons, Michael and Cameron Guzzardo. He is also survived by his fiance and longtime friend and companion, Debbie Williams and her two children, Adam and Nicole Williams. Our thanks go out to Debbie and family members for the love and care given to Mike during his this battle, and to the medical team at OSF Cancer Treatment Center and hospice for their kindness and service. Memorial service Saturday, February 4, 2012 at 5 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford Chapel 1860 S. Mulford Rd. In lieu of flowers memorials in his name to the Rockford Rescue Mission.