Phillip Charles Vittorio

Phillip Charles Vittorio, 74, of Freeport, IL, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, in his home with his family by his side. He was born August 20, 1951, in Freeport, IL, the son of Phillip and Katherine (Kopp) Vittorio Sr. On October 7, 1972, he married Kimberly Peterson at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Freeport, IL. They celebrated their 53rd anniversary in October. When his daughter Kelly was born she became the focus of his world. Phil took great pride in all her accomplishments. When his granddaughters, Hailey and Ella were born he became “Papa”. Papa was the provider of donuts, “papacakes”, s’mores, and rootbeer floats. He looked forward to every moment spent with his family. Cherished moments included spending time at Krape Park playing miniature golf, riding the merry-go-round, feeding the ducks, and sledding. The highlight of each summer was vacationing in Door County with his family, going to check on the animals at The Farm, enjoying fish boils, and watching fireworks.

Phil served in the United States National Guard from 1970-1976. He started his career working at Emmerts Drug Store in the photo department which evolved into a lifelong love of photography. He became the family photographer never missing an opportunity to take pictures of his family. For more than 40 years he worked in auto sales at multiple dealerships, retiring in 2016. He enjoyed making deals with customers, many of whom returned multiple times to buy cars from him, and became friends.

Phil was a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Church. He was an avid golfer, spending time with his friends at multiple area golf courses. He was a devoted fan of the Chicago Bears. He also enjoyed going to classic car shows and coin collecting.

He is survived by his loving family, wife Kimberly, daughter, Kelly (Daniel Piorek) Vittorio of Tinley Park, IL; two granddaughters, Hailey and Ella Piorek; sister Mary (Lee) Johnson of Rockford, IL; sister-in-law, Susan Peterson of Providence, RI; two brother-in-law’s David Peterson (Sandra Henke) of Freeport, IL, and Douglas (Kelly) Peterson of Atlanta, GA; and nieces and nephews, Mark (Laura) Vittorio, Matthew (Tracey) Vittorio, Debbie (Paul) Lauss, and Dianne Schaver.

Preceding Phil in death were his parents, brother Chuck, and his wife’s parents, Chuck and Muriel Peterson.

Funeral mass will be 10:30 A.M. Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Father Peter Snieg officiating. A visitation will be held from 9:00 A.M. until the time of mass. Burial will be at Oakland Cemetery and Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in Phil’s memory to the Advocate Children’s Heart Institute. The doctors at the Heart Institute saved Phil’s granddaughter’s life and provided life-saving surgery and excellent on-going care for her congenital heart defect.

The family extends gratitude to Dr. Schleich, his nurse, Julie, and the amazing Hospice staff of FHN. Their compassion allowed Phil to die peacefully with his family.