It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Brian Robert Hand, 78, of Rockford, Illinois and Madeira Beach, Florida.

Born in Evanston, Ill., on February 12, 1948, to John W. and Eleanor McDonough Hand and was raised in north suburban Chicago. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Plano in Dallas, Texas and pursued graduate studies at the University of Cincinnati.

Brian planted deep roots in the Rockford community as a State Farm Insurance agent for 47 years. Brian was a faithful servant of God as an altar server for seven decades, most recently in the chapel at OSF St. Anthony Hospital in Rockford, Ill. He also served in the community on charitable boards and as a volunteer.

Brian is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Missy; his five sons: Matthew (Elizabeth Ring), Christopher (Ashlie Fultz), Patrick (Jamie Adden), Reis (Courtney Hannel), and Blake (Ann McKenna) and 15 grandchildren: Patrick, William, Thomas, Andrew, Madeline, Blake, Molly, Reagan, Felicity, Theodor, Simon, George, Luke, Liam and Noel.

A Memorial Mass will take place on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. at the Cathedral of Saint Peter, 1243 N Church St, Rockford, IL 61103 with visitation at 8:30 a.m. at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Brian’s name to Service, Inc. of Illinois. They are dedicated to helping people with developmental delays and disabilities find services and support they need to live a better life, www.svcincofil.org. Private inurnment at St. Mary’s and St. James Cemetery.