Patrick K. Leighty

Patrick K. Leighty, 62, of Rockford, Illinois passed away on Thursday, August 31, 2017 surrounded by his family in OSF St. Anthony Medical Center following an extended illness.

Pat was born to parents Allen J. Leighty and Helen (Puckett) Leighty on April 3, 1955 in Peoria, Illinois.  He grew up as one of 7 children and graduated from Rockford East High School, Class of 1974 where he was an excellent athlete and excelled at football.  In 1978 he married Patricia Whelan and they were blessed with a son, Jacob.  Jake was the highlight of Pat's life and his proudest legacy.  Pat never missed a parent/teacher conference or a single football game.  Pat and Jake's shared love of football created a special bond.  Throughout his life, Pat remained strong in his faith of our Lord.

Pat's attention to detail and strong math skills led him to a career in commercial construction where he was well respected and sought after for his knowledge in hollow metal and hardware.  He started LNS Hardware and Supply in 1996 and grew it into a successful business.

Pat was an avid fisherman and golfer and spent 30 years vacationing in Mercer, Wisconsin with his family, best friend, Craig Anderson and the Up North crew, where lifelong memories of lake life were made.

Pat had a gift for cooking where he was sought after by his Whelan family to conjure up fantastic meals for family gatherings. A gift he inherited from his parents.

The family would like to thank the staff at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center for their compassion and care of Pat.

Survived by son, Jacob (Alyssa Turecek) Leighty; former wife and dear friend, Patty Leighty; parents, Allen and Helen Leighty; brothers, Steve (Darlene) Leighty, Chris (Valerie) Leighty, Jeff (Krisinda) Leighty; sisters, Jan Ficke, Diane (Cheryl Stimpson) Leeson; many nieces and nephews; and his extended Whelan family.

Preceded in death by brother, Mark Leighty; grandparents; and mother and father in-law, Joanne and Jim Whelan.

Private family services to be officiated by Pastor Jay Quinn.  Celebration of Life to be held on Wednesday, September 6, 2017 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the American Lombardi Society, 209 Olive Street, Rockford, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family. 

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