George M. Marsala of Rockford, Illinois, passed away on Friday, December 1, 2023, at the age of 81. George was born in Rockford, Illinois to Michael and Anna (Palmeri) Marsala on November 20, 1942. He attended West High School. He enlisted in the United States Army from September 7th, 1960 – August 26th, 1963. He was stationed in Oakland, California. After leaving the service, he returned to Rockford, Illinois, and began working. One of his first jobs was working as a bartender for his Uncle Frank Palmeri at the Sunset Tap. During his work career, he owned Grant Park Tavern on Kishwaukee St on Kishwaukee St.; he owned the Slave Quarters in Byron; he worked 20 years for the Rockford Township; and 20 years for the Illinois State Highway Dept.

Growing up, George and his cousins Vince and Randy were always together. Vince was allowed to paint his bedroom – fire engine red. That went pretty well until they painted George Red. Then the boys were in deep trouble. He would go on hunting and fishing trips with his Uncle Frank Palmeri. Traveling to Canada and Alaska, they would get dropped off on an island and picked up after 30 days. He always loved to go on those trips. He was happy he got to go and learn how to fish and hunt.

George’s grandson Kyle (Daughter Danielle’s son) wants him to be remembered for taking him fishing and helping raise him. 40 Years Fishing! This would have been the 40th Year. George looked forward to going on the Annual Fishing Trip. Started with the original guys at Kentucky Lake in Kentucky – Danny Thomas, Larry Rice, Dew Worm, John Lindell, Jimmy Brooks, John Melbaum, Bruce, and Seth Nygren – They ALL went to Kentucky Lake.

FUNNY STORY, George would fish in Canada, Lake Delavan with his Cousin Scoop, Wisconsin, and Kentucky. He loved his fishing partner Danny Thomas. He forgot the net and caught a big one and Danny thought he would lose his hand – trying to manhandle it into the boat. Some fisherman posted it on YouTube – it was hysterical!

George enjoyed playing golf and would play on many play dates at St. Ambrogio. He got up early every Sunday for Mass and said the Rosary multiple times a day. He loved the Chicken Dance – he had the moves!

George became quite the traveler. He and Jill would venture on many cruises. Norwegian Cruises. Alaska for 7 days hooked him. Italy – seeing different parts of the country. Venice with water transportation “no motor vehicles allowed”. An earthquake, Rome the Sistine Chapel, and Mother Theresa were cantonized while they were there. England and Ireland; South or West Caribbean. Through the Panama Canal from Florida to California. George loved “eating”, played deck games, gambling, and music, and made friends with “all” the bartenders. They knew his name all around the ship. George and Mrs. George. Vacation with family in Sayulita, Mexico – a Beautiful Villa with an infinity pool, game room, our own chef, server, housekeeping, and 2 golf carts. We only left twice – once to shop and to get our COVID test to return home. George wanted to return to Alaska and Sayulita with Family.

He was a member of the St. Ambrogio Society. He was a 30-plus-year member of the White Eagles Sportsman Club. Yearly, he traveled North to Birchwood with the White Eagle Sportsman Club. He will surely be missed by all.

George is survived by his Sweet Woman, Jill Torgerson, sons Michael and Jasper, grandsons Kyle (Paige), Corbin, Brandon, and Dustin and 7 great-grandchildren Amelia, Lilliana, Maverick, Elijah, Eliana, Natalie, and Laney. His # 1 Buddy, Danny Thomas, as well as numerous friends and relatives all of whom loved him deeply and will miss him so much. He was preceded in death by his parents, Michael, and Anna Marsala; his sister, Claudia Schuley; his daughter Danielle King.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, January 6th, 2024, from 1:00 – 3:00 PM at St. Ambrogio Society – 802 Montague St – Rockford, Illinois 61102.

In lieu of flowers, Donations to Vets Roll or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. George supported these and donated often.