Peter J. Cooling, 74, of Rockford, passed away Monday, September 4, 2017. He was born on May 6, 1943, in Rockford, the son of Joseph and Frances (Pavone) Cooling. Peter attended St. Peter School and St. Thomas High School graduating in 1961. He attended Benedictine College and was a member of the Army Reserves. Peter married Vicky Lynn Robare on October 6, 1973 at St. Bernadette Catholic Church. In 1963, he started Cooling Lawn Sprinklers, retiring in 2001 for medical reasons. Peter loved history and visited many Civil War and Revolutionary War sites. Survivors include his wife Vicky; daughter, Tina (Adam) Gilman; son, Anthony (Danielle) Cooling; four grandsons, Isaac, Lucas, Aiden and Rowyn, his special joys. Also survived by his sisters, Rita Zant, Agnes Cooling, Ann (Barney) Natale, Margaret (John) Eytalis, Barbara Cooling, and Kathleen (Ted) Long; brothers, Gene (Joyce) Cooling, Chris Cooling and Tim Cooling. Predeceased by his parents and brother, Philip Cooling. Memorial Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, September 9, 2017 at Cathedral of St. Peter, 1243 N. Church St. Rockford, IL 61103, with Fr. David C. Finn officiating. Visitation will be held Saturday, September 9, 2017 at the Cathedral from 9:00 a.m. until time of Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family. Tony Gasparini Funerals is honored to assist the family. Express online condolences at tonygasparinifunerals.com