Ned Friel

Ned Friel, 64, of Rockford passed away Wednesday, June 17, 2020, in University of Wisconsin Hospital, Madison. Born September 30, 1955, in Rockford, the son of Joseph James and Josephine F. (Szuminski) Friel. Married Nancy Moser on June 27, 1981. Formerly employed as a pipefitter for Local 23, then was employed as a senior mechanical inspector for the City of Rockford, AFCME Local 1058. Following retirement, Ned worked at the Park District Ingersoll Golf Courses for a few summers. Member of Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Bridget Catholic Church. He was a coach for Rockford Little League and Roy Gayle Baseball. Ned was a jack of all trades. He enjoyed golfing, attending auctions, antiquing, traveling, grilling, and spending time with family. Avid Chicago Cubs and Bears fan. Ned was a great advocate for workers’ rights and labor unions. He was a strong supporter of Made in the U.S.A., local businesses and mom and pop shops. Survivors include his wife, Nancy; children, Sarah (Danielle) Simpson and Michael Friel; mother, Josephine Friel; sisters, Lynne (Robert) Huston and Mary Friel; brother, Dan (Nora) Friel; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins; and his dog, Pete. Predeceased by his father, Joseph Friel; brothers, Thomas Friel and Nick Friel; and sister, Teresa Friel. Special thanks to Dr. Aric Hall, Linda Eckstein, N.P., Dr. Karbasian-Esfahani and all his caretakers for the last year and a half.

Walk through visitation from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 23, in Delehanty Funeral Home, Ltd., 401 River Lane, Loves Park. Masks will be provided and social distancing required. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family for memorials to support leukemia research at UW Madison.