Billy Gene Engaldo

Our father, grandfather, and great grandfather went to be with our Lord on December 2nd, 2017. Billy Gene Engaldo, age 88, passed away at home surrounded by his family. He was born May 5, 1929, the son of Giachino and Mildred (Lahre) Engaldo in Savanna, Illinois. He attended St. John’s Catholic School and graduated from Savanna High School with the class of 1947. Billy married his high school sweetheart, Betty Jean May, on April 3rd, 1948 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Savanna.

Together they raised five children and were members of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Savanna. As a young man in the 50s and 60s, Bill worked with his father as a barber at Jake’s Barber Shop in Savanna. In 1956, Bill served as President of the Savanna Baseball Little League Association. He also worked as a milkman, delivering wholesale milk in the area, and as a part-time police officer in Savanna. Bill then went to work for the Milwaukee Railroad as a clerk until his retirement. After retiring from the railroad, Bill operated the Savanna Marina for 15 years as the first marina manager. He enjoyed being busy at the marina and helping the boaters.

Bill enjoyed duck and rabbit hunting, trapping, fishing, camping with Betty, and traveling to visit their kids. His greatest joy in the world was spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. All the craziness of family gatherings brought smiles to his face. His pet dogs were a major part of his life as well. He spent life taking care of his family.

He will forever be in the hearts of those he leaves behind which includes his children, Carol (Michael) Nesbitt, Gary (Gayle) Engaldo, Joan (Dana Patten) Engaldo, Paul (Jenn) Engaldo, and Pat Engaldo; his 16 grandchildren Erica (Shawn) Rathje, Jennifer Green, Kateri (Travis) Mowery, Andy (Barbie) Engaldo, Kelly (Spencer) Quintin, Anthony (Amy) Engaldo, Codey (Michael) Wathall, Zach (Kate) Floding, Shannon (Derek) Eizenga, Ashley (Rick LaBorn) Engaldo, Eric (Shelby) Engaldo, Brittany Engaldo, Christopher (Robin) Engaldo, Michelle (Gordy) Hartman, Tara (Chad) Ferris, Jake (Jessica) Engaldo; 33 great grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren, and a brother, Carl (Barbara) Engaldo of Rockford. His wife, Betty; brother, Joseph; and parents, Jake and Mildred Engaldo and his mother and father-in-law, Ivan and Neva May will be waiting for him in heaven.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:00 a.m. Thursday, December 7, 2017 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Savanna, with Father Moises Apostol officiating. Burial will be in St. John’s Cemetery, Savanna. Visitation will be held from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 6, 2017 at the Law-Jones Funeral Home, Savanna. Memorials may be made in Billy’s memory for the American Cancer Society. Condolences and tributes may be shared at www.lawjonesfuneralhome.com .