Carl Robert Flood

Carl Robert Flood, 78, of Rockford, entered into eternal peace on Monday, September 8, 2025, leaving behind a community of family and friends who will forever cherish his silly stories and the sound of his laughter.

Born in Rockford on April 20, 1947, to Robert C. and Rita Rose (Hyland) Flood, Carl was a lifelong resident who graduated from Boylan High School and continued his Catholic education at St. Thomas University. He was a respected, successful real estate agent for most of his life, following in the footsteps of his architect father, and uncle, Ed Hyland, a real estate developer. He worked for Gambino- Hyland, Century 21, and Key Realty. Helping people was his calling, but his true legacy was his incredible sense of humor. He lived by the conviction that laughter and prayer could solve anything and that there were no strangers—only friends he hadn't made laugh yet. A proud and grateful member of AA for 38 years, Carl found great strength and guidance living by the words of the Serenity Prayer.

Carl grew up in an Irish/ Swedish family. His loving mother Rose raised 5 children, Carl the only boy. He grew up fast after his father passed, and did what needed to be done. They were always reminded to “Be good and support each other.” That is what they have always done. Family is important and they have always remained close, filled rooms with laughter, and continue to be there in difficult times.

Carl was truly a big kid at heart, guided by the wisdom of The Little Prince: “All grown-ups were once children, but only a few of them remember it,” and “It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.” He found joy everywhere—driving with the convertible top down on his way to fish, enjoying a strawberry shake, or sailing with friends on adventures that were often on the edge of comedy and catastrophe. His serious side was business, there was always a house to sell, a deal to be made, and he had a creative way of getting things done. He was a sharp dresser who, even in his final days, favored a Ralph Lauren button-down shirt.

But Carl's greatest pride was his family. He was a loving and dedicated father to his daughter, Nicole Flood-Flessner, and her husband, Jeremy. He adored his role as "Silly Grandpa" and was the number one fun-maker for his grandsons, Brady and Jaxon, filling their lives with endless support, unconditional love, and a steady supply of jokes.

He is survived by his daughter, Nicole (Jeremy) Flessner; grandsons, Brady Flessner and Jaxon Flessner; his siblings, Carol Cratty, Molly (Gary) Soper, and Sara Thompson; brother-in-law, Rob Reiser; his nieces and nephews, Todd Cratty, Tricia Cratty, Cristy Cratty, Amy Billedo, Matt Reiser, Gretchen Byrd, Kevin Reiser, Justin Soper, Trevor Soper, Shannon Soper-Jankowski, and Ali Thompson; and his beloved friends, Joe Paravella and Reverend David Beauvais.

He is predeceased by his parents; his sister, Martha Reiser; brother-in-law, Jack Cratty; and his niece, Stacy Soper.

A memorial Mass will take place at 10:00 AM on Friday, September 12, 2025, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 4401 Highcrest Rd., Rockford, IL 61107, with Rev. David Beauvais officiating. Arrangements entrusted to Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory. To share a memory or send an online condolence, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com.

Carl embodied the spirit of his favorite comedian, Red Skelton, and his purpose in life was fulfilled:

“If by chance some day you’re not feeling well and you should remember some silly thing I’ve said or done and it brings back a smile to your face or a chuckle to your heart, then my purpose as your clown has been fulfilled.”