Pete Rocco Vallosio

Pete Rocco Vallosio, 97, passed away peacefully into his heavenly Father's embrace on Sunday, December 13, 2020.

Pete's life exemplified how Jesus taught us to live. His humble personality was a combination of integrity, unconditional love, patience, loyalty, devotion, selflessness, generosity, contentment, encouragement, hard work, joy and wit. He had a deep sense of faith, family, country, and community which set the bar high. He was a role model and mentor for those blessed to know him.

He was born on January 18, 1923, in Benton, IL to Rocco Martin and Mary (Chiampi) Vallosio. He married Dorothy Ellen Miller on June 11, 1950 in Peoria, IL. She passed away on December 7, 2018. He was also preceded in death by two of his siblings Louis Vallosio and Margaret Brunner.

Surviving are his three children, Jeff (Carol) Vallosio and Greg (Pam) Vallosio all of Washington, IL and Ann Marie (Michael) Mohr of Morton, IL; nine grandchildren, Jennifer (Tom) Felix, Jill (Dan) Vogel, Jonathan (Ashley) Vallosio, Erin (Drew) Traver, Elise (Greg) Jen, Erica Vallosio, Joshua (Anna) Mohr, Jeremy (Rachel) Mohr, and Ashley Mohr; nine great-grandchildren, Olivia, Ella, Jacob, Joel, and Josiah Felix, Katelyn and Isaiah Vogel, Lillian and Liam Mohr; and siblings Felicia Vallosio and Gloria Stookey.

Pete graduated from Farmington High School in 1940 and enlisted in the Army Air Force on December 7, 1942 during World War II. He served as a 2nd Lieutenant and bombardier in the European Theater of Operations in 1944, flying in B-24s with the 489th Bomb Group. Later that year the 489th returned to the US for training on B-29s. He was prepared for redeployment to the Pacific when the war ended in 1945. After the war he served in the US Air Force Reserves until his retirement on March 28, 1972. He reached the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Pete attended Bradley University on the GI Bill and graduated with his undergraduate degree in 1948 and with his master's degree in 1954. It was at Bradley where he spotted that "beautiful brunette" (Dorothy) in science class who became the love of his life and with whom he enjoyed 68 years of marriage. Dorothy lovingly described Pete as "cute and handsome" in his military uniform which he wore when he returned from the war and first began attending Bradley. Their relationship exemplified a deep, loving devotion to one another in sickness and in health, selflessly putting the other person ahead of themselves and never failing to make each other laugh and smile.

Pete worked briefly at LeTourneau, in Accounting at Caterpillar, and taught one year at Farmington High School. From 1953-1984 he taught 7th and 8th grade social studies, history and other subjects at White School in Peoria.

Pete selflessly volunteered throughout his life. He was a long-time member of Arcadia Avenue Presbyterian Church where he faithfully taught adult Sunday School for over 25 years, served as an Elder, and was an active member of the Investment Committee. After moving to Morton, he became a member of First Presbyterian Church in Morton. He served on the Board of Directors for the Peoria County School Employees Credit Union from 1969-1983 and on the Robein School Board. He was a member of PARTA (Peoria Area Retired Teachers Association) and RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) where he volunteered for both organizations for many years. He was a committee member and Order of Arrow honoree with Boy Scout Troop 25.

Pete's family would like to recognize and thank the wonderful staff at Apostolic Christian Restmor for their loving care of our precious loved one.

Due to the pandemic, private funeral services will be held Monday, December 21, 2020 at Mason-White Funeral Home in Washington with Pastor Mike Claver of First Presbyterian Church of Morton officiating. Burial will be at Glendale Cemetery in Washington immediately following the service with military honors accorded. Contributions in Pete's memory may be made to Apostolic Christian Restmor, 1500 Parkside Avenue, Morton, IL 61550 or First Presbyterian Church, 1020 East Jackson Street, Morton, IL 61550. Mason-White Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.masonfuneralhomes.com. A celebration of life service will be scheduled in late summer or when it is safe for all to gather together.