Thomas B. Destefani

Thomas B. DeStefani, Sr., 84Loving Husband, Father and GrandfatherRockford- Thomas B. DeStefani, Sr., 84, of Rockford, died Sunday, August 14, 2011 after a brief illness, at Swedish American Hospital. Born June 8, 1927 in Brooklyn, NY the son of Ralph E. and Ella DeStefani. After graduating high school he attended St. Lawrence University and received a degree in Business. Thomas is a United States veteran of the Marine Corps and was stationed in the US. On June 28,1952 he married his loving wife Helen Kennedy in Long Island, NY. For 7 years, Thomas, was a FBI Field Agent working in New York, Chicago and Charlotte, NC. He then went on to Industrial sales after their son was born and finished his career in Rockford as a real estate agent for Dickerson-Nieman Realtors. A member of Holy Family Catholic Church since 1988, active member of the Society of Former Special agents of the FBI, Inc., Norte Dame Club of Rockford and former member of Forest Hills Country Club in Rockford. An active golfer, he was sure to get on the course when he could just as recently as Thursday. He was a wonderful and loving husband, father and grandfather and will be dearly missed. Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Helen; son, Thomas (Patricia) DeStefani Jr., MD. and grandchildren, Matthew and Julia. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother. Funeral Mass, Thursday, August 18, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church, 4401 Highcrest Rd. Visitation Thursday in church from 9 a.m. until time of prayer at 10:15 a.m. Private family burial will be held following the luncheon. In lieu of flowers the family asks for Masses to be said in his name. Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford Chapel is assisting the family.