Cecelia DiTomassi, 98, of Rockford, IL passed away on May 5, 2026. She was born in Rockford, IL on January 11, 1928 to Baldassare and Catherine (Zavagnin) Gioppo.

She graduated with honors from Rockford West High School, Rockford, IL in 1945 and was class valedictorian. While attending West High, she was a member of the National Honor Society, the ABL literary society, and the Commercial Club. Though she had many opportunities for college scholarships, Cecelia decided to stay near home to help her family. She started her career as a stenographer for Pioneer Life and went on to do secretarial work for Illinois Bell and Barber Coleman. She later went on to become an administrative assistant for the Rockford School District where she spent the remainder of her career.

Cecelia loved her family and was very devoted to them. She loved spending time with her nieces and nephews and her two children; Lori and Billy, and grandchildren Elisa and Robert, as well as traveling around the U.S. with her dear husband, Bill. Cecelia also enjoyed getting together with childhood friends, attending monthly luncheons with her Italian Group, and later in life, weekly meet-ups at McDonalds with friends. She loved the outdoors - especially walking and bike riding. Her latest interests included working on completing word searches and playing Wheel of Fortune with her daughter, Lori.

She is survived by daughter, Lori Smith; grandchildren Elisa (Ben) Horner, Robert (Michael) DiTomassi; great-granddaughter, Isla Horner; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her parents; Baldasarre and Catherine Gioppo, her husband; William “Bill” DiTomassi; son William “Bill” DiTomassi Jr.; brother Pete Gioppo; sister-in-law “Marty” Gioppo; father and mother-in-law Ambrose and Lena DiTomassi; brother and sister-in-law Arnold DiTomassi and Alda DiTomassi; and niece Susan DiTomassi.

Services for Cecelia will be private. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations to Dementia Society of America. To send online condolences and share memories, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com