Carl Isabelli

Carl Isabelli, age 81, of Rockford, Illinois, peacefully went to be with our Lord, surrounded by family and a close family friend, after a long battle with cancer at his home, on October 16, 2025. Carl was born in Ferentino, Italy, to Amerigo and Casilde Isabelli. Sadly, due to complications, Carl's mother passed away soon after his birth. At 8 years old, Carl, his older brother Anthony (Tony), and his father moved to Rockford. Carl graduated from West High School and immediately started employment with Ingersoll Milling, where he continued to work, with the exception of the few years he served in our United States Army, until his retirement at age 59. He met the love of his life, Louise, in 1963, and they married on June 24, 1967. Soon after, he was drafted by the Army to serve in the Vietnam War. He was fortunate and served his time in Germany during that period. After three years serving, he returned home, and he and Louise started their family, being blessed with three beautiful daughters over the next years of their marriage. Carl was an amazing father and husband, and there wasn't anything that he wouldn't do for his family to enjoy all life had to offer, from adventures on family road trips, sledding no matter how cold or late in the evening, to body surfing in the oceans with his girls. He was a devoted husband who cherished Louise, always ensuring she felt loved and secure in their life together. If any of them needed him, he was there. He always made sure that they had everything they needed with his motto "family first", including fully paid college tuition for all three daughters. He always supported family, his friends, and even his neighbors knew he was always available to help or pass on his knowledge. Carl was blessed with three amazing grandchildren, and he and Louise were always very involved in their lives and their events growing up. He was very proud and loved each one of them very much. Carl instilled in his family the life lesson of the importance of family and never stopped supporting them. Once retired, he and Louise became "snowbirds" and enjoyed many years spending their winters down in the Daytona and Fort Myers areas. In the summertime, he loved taking care of his yard and gardening. Having a strong drive and curiosity to always learn and challenge himself, he could never sit still, and was always working on something or learning about new things. Carl and his family enjoyed being part of the Rockford Italian community and were members of St. Ambrogio Italian Society Club, where he continued to play Bocce for many years with other Italian friends. Carl is survived by his wife, Louise. His amazing daughters, Gina Isabelli (Tyler Cain) of Fithian, IL, Kathy (Mike) Williams of Roscoe, IL, and Frances (Darren) Lynch of Fort Myers, FL. His three amazing grandchildren, Natalie Williams, Amanda Williams, and Paxton Lynch. He is also survived by his brother, Anthony (Lucy) Isabelli. Carl was preceded in death by his parents, Amerigo and Casilde. We want to thank the UW Health Carbone Cancer Center for everything they have done for the many years of treatments and support of our father, as well as Northern Illinois Hospice during the last days of his life. In honor of Carl's wishes, Carl will be cremated by Honquest Family Funeral Home, and he wanted celebrations of life with close friends and family at a later time. However, we welcome family and friends to reach out at any time to share their condolences. Carl will truly be missed by family and friends. We will forever remember him and will pass on a saying he and his father would always share, "The sun always rises every morning, so you are blessed, as every day you have another chance to smile and try again!" Matthew 5:4 "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." Psalm 91:11 "For He will give His angels charge concerning you, to guard you in all your ways." To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Carl Isabelli, please visit our floral store.