Frederick J. Zilly of Aurora, IL passed away on Thursday, December 28, 2023 surrounded by his family. He was 82 years old.
He is survived by his wife Alice (Breen) Zilly and five daughters; Mary Fedor of Sugar Grove, Kathy (Matt) Gilmore of Aurora, Karen Zilly (Jeff Gilliam) of Naples, FL, Mo (Ryan) Tracy of Monticello, and Megan (Ritesh) Thakkar of Aurora. He is also survived by his brother, Bob Zilly; his brother-in-law, Pat Breen; his grandchildren, Allison, Sidney (Jake Smith), and Nick Fedor; Jake, Tim (Miranda) and Madeline Gilmore; Kelsey (Nick) Scroggs, Adam (Arlene) and Zak Gilliam; Vivian and Alice Tracy; and Lucas and Graeme Thakkar; his great-granddaughter, Adriana Gilliam; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Emily (Streeter) and Carl Zilly, his brothers, David and Joe Zilly, his sisters-in-law Mary Fran O'Neill and Helen Wirth, his brother-in-law Fred Breen, his son-in-law, Mark Fedor, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Fred, a lifetime Aurora resident, was a graduate of Holy Angels School, Marmion Military Academy, and Marquette University. He had multiple professions throughout his life, including as a civil engineer, a realtor, and a mortgage loan officer, but his favorite job was as a school bus driver in his retirement. Fred was known far and wide as a dedicated volunteer for numerous Aurora area organizations. He spent many long weekends as a swimming official and starter for the Aurora YMCA Sharks, Westwind Swim and Tennis Club, and Academy Bullets Swim Team and used those same starter skills to benefit the Rosary High School and Holy Angels Track & Field teams. He was very proud of his years as a coach for the Holy Angels Volleyball program; "Coach Zilly" was the winningest volleyball coach in school history.
Fred was a super fan of the Marquette basketball team, the Chicago White Sox and Blackhawks, and the Rosary Beads Swim Team. He was also known throughout the Aurora area for his famous lasagna and chili dinners.
A funeral mass will take place on Thursday, January 4, 2024 at 10:00 AM at Holy Angels Catholic Church in Aurora, IL. A visitation will be held in Aurora, IL on Wednesday, January 3, 2024 from 4PM until 7PM, with a liturgical wake service at 4pm at THE DALEIDEN MORTUARY 220 North Lake Street, Aurora, IL 60506. 630-631-5500, www.daleidenmortuary.com . In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Fred's name to Holy Angels School, Rosary High School, or Marmion Academy.