Pete A. Gioppo

Peter “Pete” Angelo Gioppo, 95, of Machesney Park, IL, passed away on Thursday, February 19, 2026, with loving family by his side.

Pete was born on May 10, 1930, in Rockford, IL, the son of Baldasarre and Catherine (Zavagnin) Gioppo. He graduated from Rockford West High School, Class of 1947 and went on to serve his country in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict. After serving in the Air Force, Pete then began his career as a cable splicer and held numerous positions until working his way up to plant assigner with Illinois Bell Telephone Company. He was dedicated to his faith and was a longtime member of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Rockford. Pete married Margery “Marty” Mae Phillips on January 6, 1951. He cherished spending many years with his wife and family at Roy Gayle Park where he was an active member on the Board of Directors for many years and was involved in coaching baseball from 1966 – 1984. Pete was proud manager of I.G.O. (Independent Garage Owners), having led his 3 Bronco league All Star teams to the world series. He was also an avid golfer and was very proud of his 3 hole in one’s. Pete was an avid fan of the Chicago Cubs and Bears. He enjoyed traveling and spending time with his family any time they could all be together. Pete was very proud of all his grandchildren’s accomplishments as he regularly attended their special events and sports games. He will be dearly missed.

Those left to honor his memory include his children, Michael (Nancy) Gioppo of Rockford, Dan Gioppo of Roscoe, Cathy (Pat) Molander of Cherry Valley and Patty (John) Armstrong of Rockford; 9 grandchildren, Lisa Gioppo, Scott Gioppo, Andrea (Joe) Angileri, Pete Gioppo, Tom Molander, Michelle Raia Gioppo, Amy (Vittorio) Calandrella, Amanda (Nick) Nundahl and Megan Armstrong; 12 great-grandchildren, Dominic Angileri, J.J. Angileri, Anthony Angileri, Maria Angileri, Isabella, Ava and Sam Gioppo, Maia and Michael Burkett, Enzo and Luca Calandrella and Vincent Nundahl; sister, Cecelia DiTomassi and sister-in-law, Levon Elliott. Pete is predeceased by his parents; wife, Marty Gioppo on Oct. 3, 2025; daughter-in-law, Pamila Gioppo; sisters-in-law, Norma Winters, Vivian Ashley and his brothers-in-law, Marvin Phillips and William “Bill” DiTomassi.

The family would like to give a special thank you to the staff of Mo-Cara Hospice and P.A. Peterson at the Citadel for their kindness and care given to Pete.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 1010 Ferguson St. Rockford, IL 61102. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. Memorials may be made in Pete’s name to the Gioppo family to be established later.

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