Frederick Brockway

Frederick James Brockway, 82 of Roscoe, IL passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones in his home, on December 21st, 2025, after a long battle with COPD.

Born to parents, Alvin and Mabel (Jiles) Brockway in Rockford, Illinois on May 13th, 1943. Fred grew up in the small town of Argyle IL and lived next door to the school, where he attended.

He worked at Mechanics / Borg Warner, as a machinist/ CNC operator and in the inspection department. A highlight of his career was being vice president of the UAW Local 225 at Mechanics. Fred enjoyed that roll very much during his time there. He retired in 1996 and after that he obtained his CDL and started driving trucks for various trucking companies.

Fred loved to watch Fox News, Chicago Bears, Nascar Racing, and westerns especially Gunsmoke. His love of photography lead him to start Northern Illinois Sports Photography in 2006. He took photos for football, Rockford Speedway, weddings, and special events. In his younger years, he raced motorcycles on a dirt track and coached his son’s baseball team. He also enjoyed boating and fishing on his pontoon boat with his wife Kitty and family on the Illinois River. He was known for his specialty cowboy boots and hats, he never left home without them, it was his signature look and was admired by all for his style and class. Fred and Chris had a spiritual awakening in the 1980’s. Fred studied the Bible through a correspondence school and was ordained to preach the Gospel. Fred was a dedicated, hardworking husband, father and grandfather. He spent a lot of time with his wife and family enjoying the simple things in life.

Fred was married 45 years to the love of his life, Crystal aka Chris (Smith) Brockway on August 29th, 1960, until her death in 2005, Whom he lovingly called “Poopsie”.

Fred met, then married Kitty (Smith) Brockway on March 8th, 2014, in Henry Illinois. They shared a lot of love, memories and companionship in their later years; Kitty was by his side until the end.

He is survived by his wife, Kitty Brockway; children, Lezette (David) Jones, and Alvin Brockway.

Grandchildren: Brandie (Scott Nielsen) Jones, Emily (Tremain Gordon) Jones, Alexander (Trista Grayned) Jones, Amber (Pete) Polcher, Crystal Brockway, Suzy Brockway, Jen (Dan) Falzone as well as many loved grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Siblings: Cindy (Steve) Keene of Oregon, IL.

Bonus Adult Children: Gilbert (Jen Ugasco) Smith, Curtus (Cheri) Smith, Natalie (Crist) Berger, Angie (Dorge) Huang, Sandi (Eric) Shearer and many grandchildren, of Henry, IL.

Predeceased by: Parents Alvin and Mabel Brockway, Wife Chris Brockway, siblings Robert (Ardys) Brockway, Janice (Tom) Williams, Elsie (Larry) Williams, Grandchildren Nicole Brockway, Nicholas Jones, and bonus son Rocky Smith.

Celebration of Life for Fred will be held Saturday, January 17th from, 12pm to 4pm at Jarrett Prairie Center 7993 N. River Rd, Byron, IL. Lunch will be provided, and cash bar will be open. Family and friends are encouraged to share any thoughts or memories of Fred during the Celebration of Life.

No flowers are necessary; we appreciate your thoughts and prayers.