Filomena Gulotta

Filomena Santa Gulotta, age 84, of Rockford, Illinois passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Wednesday, July 1, 2026. She was born on August 26, 1941 in Burgio Sicily to Antonio and Giuseppa (Radosta) Fiumarella. Filomena married the love of her life, Pietro Gulotta, on July 18, 1964. She worked in the Hilander Deli for one year before becoming an amazing stay-at-home mom to her two children. She was a member of St. Rita Catholic Church of Rockford and part of the Sicilian Ladies Club.

Filomena had a passion for cooking. Her children fondly remember her making sauce before church on Sundays. She loved cooking for friends and family, including baking delicious Italian cookies for the holidays. She loved to host family events and cook different meals. But most of all, she loved spending time with her grandchildren, who brought a smile to her face every time she saw them.

Filomena is survived by her husband of almost 62 years, Pietro Gulotta; children, Felicia (Eric) Gulotta-Johnson and Vince (Anne) Gulotta; grandchildren, Zack (Meahgan) Pearson, Bianca (Tony) Louras, Dominic Gulotta, and Julian Gulotta; great-grandson, Jordan Pearson; brother, Angelo (Paola) Fiumarella; sister-in-law, Rosa Fiumarella; brother-in-law, Frank Gulotta; special niece and nephew, Maria Kostantacos and Joe Ocello; along with numerous cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and great-great-nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Antonio and Giuseppa Fiumarella; siblings, Antonio Fiumarella and Giuseppina (Salvatore) Ocello; niece, Nunzia Montana; and mother and father-in-law, Vincenzo and Felicia Gulotta.

Special thanks to nurse Gina from OSF Hospice, nurse Alina from Northwoods, and the Senior Helpers of Rockford, Dan, Jill, Deanna, and Veta, for their wonderful care of Filomena and compassion for the family in this difficult time.

Visitation for Filomena will be held Monday, July 6 from 10:00 am to 11:30 am at St. Rita Catholic Church, 6254 Valley Knoll Dr, Rockford, IL 61109 with a funeral mass to follow at 11:30 am. Entombment at Sunset Memorial Gardens.