Gerald "Jerry" A. Dangelo

Gerald Anthony "Jerry" Dangelo, 81, of Rockford, went to be with the Lord and his late wife, Bridget Ann Dangelo on February 21, 2025. Jerry was born on January 15, 1944 in Rockford, IL, the son of Joseph and Margaret (Tominellie) Dangelo. He was a graduate of Rockford West High School, class of 1962 and also a graduate of Rock Island School of Business and Madison Barber College. Jerry was a barber for a few years and later employed as a salesman for Mautz Paint Company and then spent 35 years at Cotta Transmission Company as an assembler/leadman, building high speed test stands for the aircraft industry. Jerry was a collector/operator of Lionel Trains and was a charter member and founder of the Lionel Collectors Club of America with members worldwide. He wrote numerous articles on collecting and operating Lionel Trains in club publications and traveled throughout the USA with his family to conventions. Jerry was a member of the Purple Knights and Phantom Regiment drum and bugle corps in the late 1960's and was a drummer winning several awards as a solo and part of a quartet throughout the country. Jerry loved spending time with his family. He was an avid Minnesota Vikings fan. Jerry enjoyed being outside and working on his yard.

He married the love of his life, Bridget A. Gagliano on August 3, 1968. They spent 53 amazing years together before Bridget's passing on June 4, 2021.

He is survived by his children, Rebecca (Marty Ross) Dangelo and Greg Dangelo; grandchildren, Nicholas Dangelo, Genevieve Dangelo, Trevor Ross and Alexander Ross; sister, Charlene (Jim) Lomanto; several nieces and nephews; and special friend, Jack Wilcox. He was preceded in death by his parents.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Northern Illinois Hospice for their loving and compassionate care of Jerry.

A memorial gathering will be held from 4:00-6:00 p.m., Friday, February 28, 2025 at Sunset Funeral Home, 8800 N. Alpine Rd, Machesney Park, IL 61115.