James Rilott Obituary

JAMES H. RILOTT, 72 LOVING HUSBAND, FATHER AND GRANDFATHER ROCKFORD - James H. Rilott, 72, died unexpectedly at 6:27 p.m. Tuesday, March 31, 2009, in Rockford Memorial Hospital. Born Dec. 31, 1936, in Berwyn, the son of Wilbert and Anna (Muehleisen) Rilott. Received a bachelor's degree from Monmouth (Ill.) College. Served in the U.S. Army. Married Aug. 27, 1960, in Kankakee to his loving wife, Denise Desmarteau. James was the president of Atwood Corp., from which he retired and became the owner of Rockford Calibration. He was a member of St. Bernadette Catholic Church since 1973 and was on its finance committee. Additional memberships include SCORE, The United Way, Rock River Valley Blood Center, Promise Land, Junior Achievement and Big Brothers Big Sisters. He was a past president of Visiting Nurses Association and the Hemophilia Association, and was on the board of directors for Rockford Memorial Hospital and Elco. His hobbies included being an avid tennis player and a world traveler. James was an all-around kind soul and was a man who dedicated his entire life to his family. Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Denise Rilott; son, Kevin (Donna), and daughter-in-law, Kathleen Rilott, all of Rockford; grandsons, Bryan Rilott II, Adam Rilott, David Rilott and Dominic Rilott; numerous nieces and nephews; several cherished friends and employees; and someone very special to the family, Ashley Mirgain. Predeceased by parents; son, Bryan, in 1994; and brother, Ron. The family wishes to extend a sincere and heartfelt thank-you to the surgical staff at Rockford Memorial Hospital, Dr. Peter Marks and any additional staff members involved with James' care and well-being. Service at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 4, in St. Bernadette Catholic Church, 2300 Bell Ave. Interment in Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Winnebago. Visitation from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, April 3, with a rosary at 7, in Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Riverside Chapel 3910 N. Rockton Ave. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family for a fund to be established at a later date. Extend condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh. com.

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Published by Rockford Register Star from Apr. 2 to Apr. 8, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for James Rilott

14 Entries

Bob Weiss

April 8, 2009

Denise,
Was so sad to learn of Jim's passing.Please accept my deepest sympathies.

April 7, 2009

Mom just called with the news, I'm so sorry, I remember him as very kind man, and was glad to see him enjoying his work with SCORE.
Woody II

Marc DesMarteau

April 5, 2009

Dear Aunt Denise, Kevin, Kathy, Donna and grandkids,

We were very saddened when mom called about the tragedy on the 31st. I will always remember the early morning talks we had when having coffee and reading the paper on the porch, he always had the fatherly advise that I had missed since Jean died. It surely leaves a hole in your heart when thinking of Jim and we all will miss him very much.

Marc, Kathy, Dominique & Dan DesMarteau

Gregg & Jo Anne Shosie

April 5, 2009

Denise and Family
Gregg and I were shocked to hear of Jim's passing. We have fond memories of our times together boating on the Mississippi and our visits here in Florida. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. He will be sadly missed by all that knew him.

April 4, 2009

I Worked For Jim & Denise Only A Short Time But They Were Very Nice And Listened When You Talked, Will Miss Him, My Thoughts And Prayers To Denise And Family Julie Feltz South Beloit , Illinois

jack Packard

April 4, 2009

Denise
Jim was a valusd member of the
board of Directors at Elco. I knew I could rely on his good judgement and experience in manufacturing/
My deepest symphathy.

Steve Korth

April 3, 2009

I am saddened to hear of Jim's passing and I send my condolences to his family. I worked with Jim at Atwood for many years. Even though Jim had a high rank in the company, he had the rare ability to make anyone, regardless of position, feel important. He always seemed to know everyone's name and where they fit in the organization. Those talents are sorely lacking in today's business world. I'm sure he will be missed. It was a pleasure to have known and worked with Jim.
Sincerely,
Steve Korth
Lindenwood, Il

Darrin, Heather, Chanin Denise and Chase Johnson

April 3, 2009

Aunt Denise, We will miss Uncle Jim very much. Besides my father, Uncle Jim was the one I always wanted to impress. He was a great role model and life teacher. We love and miss you all very much.

David Brearley

April 3, 2009

Jim showed me that it is possible for one to be a very effective leader without ever becoming distracted from living as a warm human being first. Knowing him will be one of my life's well admired memories and reinforcements in my faith in good character. He and his family will forever be admired by me.

Rita, Jochen, Felix & Clemens Koebler

April 3, 2009

We are deeply shocked and we don't know what to say. Every year when we have visited our relatives in Rockford, we have met each other and had great fun being together.
We will miss Jim so much.
All our thougths are with the entire Rilott family.

Phil Walden

April 2, 2009

Denise, Loved playing tennis with Jim. He was a true gentleman, but you know that! Miss him a lot. Our best wishes to you and your family.

April 2, 2009

I remember Jim as a wonderful landlord in Belvidere when I was a single mother with a teenage son. He was also instrumental in helping me get a job at Atwood in the 70's. He indeed was a kind man. I can attest to that because he helped me get my "act together". My sympathy to the family in this trying time. Mildred Peterson Bremer

Michaela Bradley

April 2, 2009

To the entire Rilott family. My sincerest condolences. James was a kind hearted person who had an amazing soul. When I was a part of the St. Bernadette Youth Group I always had very interesting conversations with him. He was always so full of life and welcomed you in his home like you were a part of the family. My prayers are all with you at this very difficult time! May God Bless all of you!

Jerry & Sandra Bonacorsi

April 2, 2009

Our sympathy goes out to the family as Jim will certainly be missed.

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