John Penzi

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of John Paul Penzi, of St. James City, Florida, who passed away on September 21, 2025 at the age of 84.

Born on June 16, 1941 in Fanna, Italy, John was the beloved son of Giovanni and Diomira (Maddalena) Penzi. He came to Rockford, Illinois at the age of 9 and graduated from East High School. He married Mary Virginia Penzi (Liss) on September 14, 1963. He and Mary retired in St. James City, Florida. Throughout his life, he was known for his sense of humor, dedication to his friends and family, excellent cooking ability, creativity with art, great love of fishing, and his "to the point" personality.

John is survived by his wife, Mary Virginia Penzi (Liss), son, Paul (Sheri) Penzi, daughter, Angela (Vee) Jevremovic, grandchildren, Caitlin (Matt) Day, Christopher (Raelee) Penzi, Cooper Jevremovic, Caleb Jevremovic, sister, Gabriella Fedrigo, and nephews Francesco Fedrigo and Luca Fedrigo who will forever cherish his memory. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gianpaolo and Diomira Penzi and his brother in law, Federico Fedrigo.

Throughout his life, John worked as a tile setter, a Snap-On Tools salesman, entrepreneur of a bakery, and a Brinks Security Guard. He was passionate about fishing, cooking, music, and his family. Later in life, he found his real passion and created many original pieces of artwork for his friends and family, even selling some at the local art gallery. He was known for speaking his mind and left a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

Though he may be gone from our sight, he will never be gone from our hearts.

Memorial Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. with comments from family and friends at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 11, 2025 at Fred C. Olson Chapel, 1001 2nd Avenue, Rockford, IL 61104. Memorials may be made to The American Heart Association, www.heart.org. To share a memory or condolence, please visit www.olsonfh.com.