Reverend Salvatore J. Guagliardo

Reverend Salvatore J. Guagliardo died on Friday, October 21, 2022 at St. Anne Place in Rockford, where he was a resident.

Father was born on May 4, 1929 in Rockford, IL, to Margaret and Vincent Guagliardo. Father Guagliardo attended the University of Illinois, Normal, IL (1951-52). He then attended St. Ambrose College, Davenport, IA (1952-55). Father then attended St. Mary Seminary, Baltimore, MD (1955-59). Father went on to further his studies at Loyola University, Chicago, IL (1964) where he received a Master’s Degree in Education.

Father Guagliardo was ordained a priest by the Most Reverend Loras T. Lane at St. Anthony Parish, Rockford, on May 11, 1959. Father’s first assignment was in 1959 as Parochial Vicar at St. Joseph Parish, Richmond (1959-1960). In 1960 Father was appointed Administrator at St. Gall Parish, Elburn. Later that same year he was appointed Parochial Vicar at St. Joseph Parish, Harvard (1960-1962). He served on the faculty at Boylan Catholic High School (1963-1970). Father served as Chaplain at Mt. St. Francis Motherhouse, Rockford (1969-1970). Father was then assigned Parochial Vicar at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, Crystal Lake (1970-1971). He then was assigned Pastor at St. Joseph Parish, Apple River and Holy Trinity Parish, Scales Mound (1971-1972); and was later assigned as Pastor of St. Mary Parish, Oregon (1972-1976). Father then served as Chaplain at Maria Linden, Rockford (1976-1980). Father was then appointed Consultant for the Diocesan Catholic Education Office and later as Psychological Consultant for the Diocese of Rockford Tribunal (1976-1980). He served as Pastor of St. Thomas the Apostle, Crystal Lake (1980-1987). In 1988 Father was assigned Pastor of St. Joseph Parish, Lena (1988-1999) and retired there from active ministry on June 1, 1999.

Father is predeceased by his parents Vincent and Margaret (Berbiglia) Guagliardo. Also predeceased by his six elder brothers, Anthony, Joseph (Margaret), Frank (Mary), Nicholas (Anna), Phillip (Mary) and Augustine (Verona). Father is survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Throughout the years, Father Guagliardo has been a wonderful spiritual advisor and mentor to many in his family. He has baptized, given first Holy Communion and performed the wedding ceremonies of many of his nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian burial will take place on Wednesday, October 26 at 11:00 am at the Cathedral of St. Peter, 1243 N. Church Street, Rockford. Visitation will take place 10:00 - 11:00 a.m., at the Cathedral prior to the Funeral Mass. Burial will take place at Calvary Cemetery, Winnebago, Illinois. Arrangements are being completed by Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory Ltd., Rockford, Illinois.