Jeffrey "Jeff" Bronson

Jeffrey “Jeff” L. Bronson, 70, of Roscoe, peacefully passed away Monday, July 20, 2020, at home, with his loving family by his side. Born September 20, 1949, to Gail Miles and Elizabeth J. (Carney) Bronson, Sr., at the Great Lakes Naval Hospital in Chicago. He met the love of his life, Patricia Flynn, at age 14 during their freshman year at Harlem High School, Class of 1968. Jeff was the backdrop artist and Pat was the vocalist for a small school operetta which became the inspiration for their amazing lives together. Throughout their 50 wonderful years of marriage, they raised three children. Jeff proudly served in the U.S. Army Reserves for six years from 1969 to 1975. He received an Associate’s Degree from Rock Valley College for drafting and design, accepting a position at Anderson Brother’s Manufacturing. But this self-made man had bigger dreams. He started his own excavating business, Bronson Excavating and Trucking. Jeff later became a member of the Operating Engineers Local 150 Union and worked for Rockford Blacktop having the nickname “Bronco”. He was an avid boater and competitive water skier. Jeff was a member of the Rockford Water Ski Association and enjoyed spending time with the Rock River Rats. Jeff had a creative mind that would rival any Imagineer. He was a gifted sculptor, painter, and a visionary who could design, dream, and bring an idea to life. Jeff was a devout family man and an exceptional father, whose family affectionately thought of him as their personal dreamer and magic-maker. Survivors include his wife, Pat; daughters, Natasha (Jose Zapata) Bronson and Tamara (John) Sobczak; son, Jarrett (Lindsey) Bronson; grandchildren, Karla (Jestine), Dania, Andrew, Adin, Reagan, Gael, Amaya, Jackson, Owen and Shawn; great-granddaughter, Amelia; older brother, Sonny Bronson; brother-in-law, Dennis (Rose) Flynn; numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Predeceased by his parents; sister, Roz Erdmann; and stepsister, Laurie Anderson.

Service at 10:30 a.m. Monday, July 27, 2020, in Delehanty Funeral Home, Ltd., 401 River Lane, Loves Park, with a walk through visitation from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, July 26, 2020. Social distancing and masks required. In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established.