Louis J. DeBenedetto

Louis J. DeBenedetto, 95, Rockford, passed away on Sunday, February 8, 2026. He was born in Rockford, IL, the son of Joseph and Josephine (Alfano) DeBenedetto on September 10, 1930. He married Shirley J. DeBenedetto in Rockford in 1966, where they remained married for 49 years until her passing in August of 2015.

Louis worked at Barber Colman for many years until his retirement, taking pride in his career. Outside of work, his faith was very important to him as he was a long-time parishioner at St. Bernadette Catholic Church. He loved to give back to his community and volunteered for Meals on Wheels, delivering food to those in need.

In his free time, he was known as an avid Chicago Bears fan and was also a fan of the New York Yankees. To stay active, he played golf, loved to bowl, and worked on his yard, and was always up to go anywhere and everywhere with his wife and friends.

He is survived by his daughter, Laurel (David) Antlitz; his nephews, Joe (Sarah) DeBenedetto, Anthony DeBenedetto, and Joey DeBenedetto; his special grand dog, Buddy; and many cousins. He is preceded by his wife, Shirley; and his siblings, Gus, Ella, Jasper, Rose, Josie, Nicky, and Angie DeBenedetto.

Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at St. Bernadette Catholic church with a visitation from 9:00 a.m. until 9:45 a.m. Burial in Calvary Catholic Cemetery. To share memories and condolences online, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com.