Rev. Rodney B. Dillinger, 93, Rockford, passed away on Monday, March 30, 2026, in Rockford. He was born on October 22, 1932, in Souderton, Pennsylvania, the son of Chauncey and Emma (Price) Dillinger. He married Phyllis (Thorburn) Dillinger on June 9, 1956, in New Jersey.

He left home at a very young age to serve his country in Germany, where he continued to play football. Attending Barrington college in Rhode Island where he served as student president and met his future wife, Phyllis Thorburn, then went on to get his master’s degree at Drew seminary University in 1961.

As a pastor and lifelong shepherd, he cared for all people around the world. Marched alongside Dr. Martin Luther King, was a draft counselor and founder of a charity organization called I.A.A.D. (international association of apiculture development) visiting and sending needed aid to underdeveloped countries in Africa and Haiti to teach beekeeping and bring needed essentials to better their lives.

Rodney loved beekeeping, Football (as a player, couch, and referee), woodworking, gardening, reading, genealogy and the lifelong pursuit of learning.

He is survived by his wife, Phyllis; his children, Geoffrey Dillinger, David Dillinger, Richard Dillinger, and Lori (Daniel) Sullivan; his grandchildren, Emma Dillinger (Jeff Millison), Benjamin Dillinger, Nicole (Patrick) Casey, Jamie Dillinger, Gabriel Sullivan, Molly Sullivan, and Riley Sullivan; his great grandchildren, Miranda Casey, Lillian Casey, Kiera Casey, Delilah Dillinger and Violet Dillinger; his brother, Leon (Lorraine) Dillinger. He is preceded by 3 brothers and 3 sisters.

A memorial service will take place on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Riverside Chapel, 3910 N Rockton Ave, Rockford IL, 61103. A visitation will follow the service until 6:00 p.m. at the Riverside Chapel. Cremation rites have been accorded. To share memories and condolences online, please visit, www.fitzgeraldfh.com.