Michael A Ghibellini

Mt. Morris, IL, Michael Allan Ghibellini, age 79, passed away on June 29, 2022 at home with his family by his side.  Mike was born on December 27, 1942 in Rockford, IL, the son of James & Pauline (Biavati) Ghibellini.  When Mike was in 6th grade he moved to Mark, IL with his mother. He attended Hopkins High School in Granville, IL; where he was an outstanding baseball and basketball player.  At 14 years old he met the love of his life.  He married Sharice Williams on July 13, 1963 in the First Lutheran Church, Granville, IL; and she preceded him in death on March 1. 2022.  After high school he started working at BF Goodrich Chemical Plant in Henry, IL.  After a very bad fire at the plant Mike decided to move to Mt. Morris, IL and start over.  He owned and operated the Brass Rail with his father and brother Jim for about 20 years.  Mike also worked at Kable Printing Company as a Photoengraver. He was a proud union member who walked the picket line for 7 years during the strike; and he retired from Quebecor Printing in 2001.  Mike and Shari enjoyed meeting friends to go dancing, gambling at the boat, taking trips to share moments with people they cared about.  Something Mike really enjoyed was cooking, he watched his mother for years and he was great at it also.  He passed many family secrets on to his son and grandchildren.  He was an avid golfer, who enjoyed playing at Sunset Golf Club more than anywhere.  Mike spent a lot of time at the Pepper Mill where he always enjoyed a cup of coffee with friends, buying rounds of drinks, getting serenaded, making bets on horses with Jockey and throwing their losing tickets into the “Bucket” saying Rah Ta Ta.  He bought lottery tickets on a regular basis, always hoping to hit it big. Nothing meant more to him than family.  He always put everyone above himself.  He spent many years caring for people, especially Shari.  There was no better son, brother, husband, father, Poppy, cousin, and friend than Mike Ghibellini.

Mike is survived by his son: Joseph (Missy) Ghibellini, Mt. Morris, IL; grandchildren: Kennedy (Tyler) Ghibellini – Burkhart, Oregon, IL, John Ghibellini, Mt. Morris, IL, Jacob Osborne, Salt Lake City, UT, Danielle (Jacob) Miller, Saratoga, WY; great grandchildren: Barrett & Oden Miller, Saratoga, WY; step mother in law: Ursela Williams, Oglesby, IL; step brother: Gary (Chris) Krejsa, Marina, CA; sister in law: Connie Ghibellini, Charleston, IL;  numerous nieces and nephews, and many special cousins.

Mike is preceded in death by his parents: James & Pauline Ghibellini; wife: Shari; son: John; brothers: Jim and Ted Ghibellini; grandparents: Angelo & Della Ghibellini and John & Mary Biavati.

Memorial services will be held on Tuesday July 5, 2022 at 11:00 A.M. in Finch Funeral Home, 405 East Hitt, Mt. Morris, IL with Rev. Steven Erickson officiating.  Burial will be in Plainview Cemetery, Mt. Morris, IL.  Visitation will be held on Tuesday July 5, 2022 from 10:00 A.M. until service time in Finch Funeral Home.

Memorials to Sunset Golf Club and/or Serenity Hospice & Home.

The family would like to thank Serenity Hospice & Home and especially Val Rowland for their loving and comforting care.

AND NOW HE IS ENTERING THE HOME STRETCH….

HE IS PICKING THEM UP, AND LAYING THEM DOWN…..