Albert Joseph “Al” Saporiti

October 12, 1944 – July 21, 2026

Albert Joseph “Al” Saporiti, 81, of Rockford, Illinois, passed away on July 21, 2026.

Born on October 12, 1944, in Rockford, Al was the son of Albert L. and Alice (Dohkus) Saporiti. A lifelong member of the Rockford community, Al built a life centered around family, friendship, hard work, and the firm belief that life was meant to be enjoyed.

Al was a successful local small businessman who took pride in his work and in the relationships he built throughout the community. But business was only one part of a very full life. Al had a wide range of interests and rarely lacked something to do—or someone to do it with. He enjoyed boating, fishing, gardening, hunting, softball, and cars, and he especially treasured spending time with friends and family.

Some of Al’s happiest times were spent at the family lake house on Castle Rock Lake in Wisconsin. It was a place for boating and fishing, gathering with family and friends, sharing meals and stories, and simply enjoying life. Over the years, the lake house became the setting for countless memories and good times that his family and friends will carry with them for years to come.

Al was also someone who enjoyed being out, being social, and being among friends. He spent many happy hours at the St. Ambrogio Society, the Verdi Club, and the Lombardi Club in Rockford—places where friendships, conversation, laughter, and camaraderie were always close at hand. He was also a member of Blackhawk Field Archers and the Northern Illinois Pistol and Rifle Club.

Those who knew Al will remember his personality, his sense of humor, the stories he could tell, and his enjoyment of a good gathering. His was not a life lived quietly on the sidelines. Whether at the lake, working on a project, tending the garden, talking about cars, enjoying time at one of his favorite clubs, or simply sitting among family and friends, Al appreciated the moments that brought people together.

Above all, his greatest legacy is the family and friendships that surrounded him throughout his life.

Al is survived by his wife, Linda Saporiti; his sons, Paul Saporiti of Rockford and Scott Saporiti (Mark Fesenmyer)of Valparaiso; his grandchildren, Anthony Saporiti of West Chicago, Alec Saporiti (Mak Janeway) of Rockford, Christian Saporiti (Nicolette) of Chicago, and Hunter Saporiti of Providence, Rhode Island; his brother, John (Tina) Saporiti of Rockton; his brother-in-law, Dale Christiansen of Rockford; along with many more nieces and nephews and extended family members who were an important part of his life.

Al and the Saporiti family were also fortunate to share their lives with special friends who became part of the fabric of the family, including Christine Tillou of Rockford, Mitch (Lisa) Nelson of Rockford, and Angela Berg of Davis, Illinois.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert L. and Alice (Dohkus) Saporiti; his brother, Dennis Saporiti; and Debra Zander, a special friend to Paul Saporiti and the Saporiti family.

Over the course of 81 years, Al created a lifetime of stories—some funny, some probably better with each retelling, and many that will now mean even more to those who shared them with him. His presence will live on at family gatherings, in memories of summers at Castle Rock Lake, in old photographs, familiar stories, and in those unexpected moments when something brings him immediately back to mind.

Al will be deeply missed by his family and the many friends whose lives intersected with his own.

The best way to remember Al may be the way he lived: gather the people you care about, tell a good story, spend a day on the water, enjoy the company around you, laugh often, and make the most of the time you have.

And when the occasion calls for it, raise a glass to Al—and to a life well lived.

A Funeral Mass will be on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Rita Catholic Church, 6254 Valley Knoll Drive Rockford, IL 61109, with a visitation prior to Mass from 10:00 - 10:45 a.m. A night before visitation will be on Friday, July 24, 2026, from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. At Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Rd, Rockford, IL 61108. In lieu of flowers, memorial’s may be made to the St Ambrogio Society or St. Rita Catholic Church.