The Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office announced Sunday evening the sad news of the passing of Deputy Chief Donald Gasparini, Jr who was 46 years old.

In part, the department sent out a statement that said, “The members of the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office offer our deepest condolences to the Gasparini family. We ask that you keep his family and our law enforcement family in your thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.“

Over the past 26 years, Gasparini worked for the department making many accomplishments. He started off working in the Corrections Department and worked his way up to becoming Deputy Chief.

“Yesterday around 5:30 he was doing a recreational activity with his son when he passed away suddenly not 100% sure of the cause yet there’s an autopsy scheduled for tomorrow,” Winnebago County Sheriff Gary Caruana said on Monday.

On Tuesday, October 14th, local First Responders honored him through a law enforcement procession which was made up by the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office and other law enforcement, ensuring that Gasparini did not make his final travels alone.

If you missed the procession, there will be a public visitation set that is set for Friday. It will be held at Stateline Church located on N. Perryville Road in Rockford and is from 2 – 6 pm. Also, the Law enforcement honors are scheduled from 2 – 3 pm at the church.

With heavy hearts the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office is mourning the sudden loss of Deputy Chief Donald Gasparini, Jr.The members of the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office offer our deepest condolences to the Gasparini family. pic.twitter.com/y9MZvPibnu

— Winnebago Co Sheriff (@winnsheriff) October 12, 2020