Mario Reali of Rockford, Illinois passed away peacefully on January 17, 2026, a week short of his 78th birthday. Mario was born in Ferentino, Italy in 1948. He travelled with his family by boat to the United States in 1954, eventually settling in Rockford, IL. He attended East High School and Northern Illinois University. He joined his father, Gino Reali, at Reali Excavating Co. for over 50 years, eventually helming the company. He met his wife Ann in 1980. They were married in 1982 and built a house, family, and life together. Mario was a lifelong fan of reading and learning all things familiar and esoteric.

Mario is survived by his wife Ann, his daughter Laura, his mother, Palma, and his two sisters Anna (Jim) and Gina (Peter), and nieces and nephews. Mario is predeceased by his father, Gino Reali. Mario will be remembered for his calm, quiet kindness and his love for his family.

The family wishes to thank the Liberatori Family and all of Mario's caregivers: Dr. Sreenivasappa and the nurses and doctors at the OSF Center for Cancer Care, Dr. Rachwan and Julie Bredlau, PN at the OSF Cardiovascular Institute, OSF Hospice care workers, and most recently, all the nurses and CNAs at the OSF Medical Center. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Mission Partner Giving/OSF Healthcare Saint Anthony Center for Cancer Care, who provided exemplary care for him during his cancer treatment over the last year.

A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Rita Catholic Church on Friday, January 30th at 10:00 AM, with private burial afterward. A memorial celebration will be announced at a later time.