Donald "Don" DiGiovanni

With heavy hearts and profound gratitude for a life well lived, we announce the passing of Don DiGiovanni. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend to many. Don left us peacefully on June 3, 2025, surrounded by his family.

Born on February 2, 1945, to Vito and Bernice (Twordzlo) DiGiovanni, Don grew up in Rockford and had a deep loyalty and pride in his roots. He shared his early years with his siblings Loretta (Floyd) Berg, Joe (Pat), Tom (Barb), and Vic, forming bonds that would last a lifetime.

Don married his high school sweetheart and best friend, Kathy. They were married for 62 years. They have been each other's rocks throughout their years together. They enjoyed countless adventures from golfing with their friends in Florida, to traveling to countries around the world, to simple dinners at home.

Don was an amazing athlete and fierce competitor, having played semi-professional football for the Rockford Rams. He carried a lifelong passion for sports, especially his beloved Chicago Cubs and Bears. He loved studying and reading about history. He had a deep appreciation for the sacrifices made by America’s veterans for our country that he loved so much.

Don was very driven. Early on, he worked long hours in 2 jobs to support his growing family. He was a tool and die maker eventually starting his own business, being a successful entrepreneur. Never one to sit still, Don invented and patented new tools. As a business owner for over 30 years, he employed hundreds of people he treated like family. As a gifted craftsman, Don had an uncanny ability to fix anything. In his home woodshop, he enjoyed building beautiful items that had special meaning for those he loved. Things like a handmade crib for his daughter’s children, wooden toys for his many grandkids, beautiful handmade crucifixes, and countless other works of art that his family still use and cherish.

As a grandfather and great-grandfather, Don’s legacy continues to grow through the generations he helped shape. He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Kathy; their children, Rick DiGiovanni, Deb (Barry) Linhart, Jen (Jeff) Hill, Don (Kim) DiGiovanni, and Amy (Mark) Staples; his grandchildren, Christopher (Giselle) DiGiovanni, Sarah (Brian) Sitter, Erin DiGiovanni, Kelsey (Peter) Ziel, Jake (Katie) Linhart, Katie (Billy) Andrae, Olivia, Stephen, Andrew, Matthew Hill, Gianna, Ava DiGiovanni, Ethan, Max, Jack Staples; his great grandchildren, Eliana, Jameson DiGiovanni, Nora, Henry, Mila Sitter, and Charlotte Ziel.

Visitation will be held Monday, June 9, 2025, from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church, 4401 Highcrest Rd. Visitation prior to Mass 10:00 – 10:45 a.m. at the church. Don will be laid to rest at Calvary Catholic Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, T2T.org or foodforthepoor.org