Scott J. Gallentine

Scott Gallentine, of Mt. Carroll, passed away June 12, 2026, at Rock River Hospice Home in Sterling, Illinois, after a long-fought battle with cancer.

Scott was born June 2, 1962, to Clifford “Fran” and Arlene (Keller) Gallentine. He graduated from Mt. Carroll High School with the Class of 1982.

Scott married Deb Emery on December 10, 1988. Together, they built their lives around their daughter, Jennifer, and son, Drew.

Scott worked for Elkay Manufacturing for 36 years. He had the opportunity to travel internationally as a Service Representative before later serving as a Lab Technician. He was a member of Mt. Carroll United Methodist Church and participated in the Carroll County Haiti Mission Project, helping to build a dental clinic.

Scott enjoyed the outdoors, especially the annual Ohio fishing trip and deer hunting with friends. He was known for his sense of humor and enjoyed giving his friends a hard time. Scott was a fan of NASCAR and football; while he followed the Chicago Bears, he was a devoted Pittsburgh Steelers fan.

Scott loved working with youth sports, particularly when it involved his children and grandchildren. He coached summer baseball and softball when Drew and Jennifer were young, often reminding players, “Nothing hurt,” when things didn’t go as planned. He later coached his grandsons, Devon and Bradyn, in football for West Carroll and EPC. Whether coaching or not, he was always present, cheering on his family. Even through his health struggles, Scott remained dedicated to coaching and guiding the next generation, continuing to show up, encourage, and lead by example.

Scott served as an IHSA umpire for over 30 years. He often took time to explain calls to players and offer encouragement to younger athletes. He also kept score for Mt. Carroll and West Carroll boys’ and girls’ basketball games for more than 30 years, always with a bag of popcorn at the scorer’s table. Among his favorite memories were the two state tournament runs. In 2018, Scott was inducted into the Northwest Illinois Sports Hall of Fame.

Scott was a positive leader; on the sidelines, in the dugout, behind the plate, in the stands, and at work. He was respected and admired by his children, grandchildren, athletes, and peers. He was a good friend and mentor to many.

He is survived by his wife, Deb; daughter, Jennifer (James) Haas; and son, Drew (Kelli) Gallentine; grandchildren, Devon, Kendyll, Bradyn, Harper, and Jace; his mother, Arlene Crockett; brothers, Jeff (Denise) Gallentine and David (Tammy) Gallentine; as well as several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father; his grandparents; his sister-in-law, Elaine; and both his father- and mother-in-law.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in Scott’s name to Stead Family Children’s Hospital in Iowa City.