A great dreamer

I met Jon almost two years ago. One could never really explain the concern and love one felt in being with Jon. He embraced so much that was good in us and made us believe in our dreams and his dreams too.

There will be a thousand stories from thousands of souls on how his life touched them; I only know how he touched mine. He loved inventors and innovators. He could understand our abstract thoughts. He gave us help and direction, because he knew that Rockford would gain from new and inventive products and companies that could develop here. He was a real Soldier to that end.

I know we can all say we have known one or two great men in our lives. Jon was mine and what a blessing that was. As a former soldier, Jon was also a great leader and friend. I called him “Major Hope” because that’s what he gave us all: Hope. His spirit will always be with us, so we can always be guided on how to love and care for each other. God Bless Jon and his family.

— Nicholas Parnello, president, American Inventors Council, Rockford