Obituary

Gary Cecil, 78, of Rockford, IL, passed away after a long, brave battle with health issues. Gary was a kind, generous man who loved his family and friends above all else.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Claudia (Barnes) Cecil; sister, Sue (Cecil) Mahoney; daughter, Penny (Cecil) Russ; grandchildren, Kaitlin Gentner, Taelor Gentner, Gary Cecil III, Garrett Cecil, Alexis Russ, Gavn Russ; and great-grandchildren, Aryanna Gentner and Alisianna Leon - and a great-grandson on the way. He is predeceased by his parents, William Cecil and Luella Cecil; his sister, Nancy (Cecil) Butz; his daughter Jennifer (Cecil) Blackwell; and his son, Gary Cecil, Jr.

The family would like to offer love and gratitude to three wonderful caregivers, Maria, Merseadeez and Jodi. They took amazingly good care of Gary and became friends and family to all of us.

There will be a private family graveside service on Wednesday, October 9, 2024. In lieu of flowers or donations, Gary's family encourages his friends and acquaintances to do something special with their own loved ones.