Rockford Alderman Tuffy Quinonez has died at age 76

February 25, 2023|By Kevin Haas|In Trending, News, Local
Alderman Tuffy Quinonez represents Rockford’s 11th Ward. (Photo provided by city of Rockford)
By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — Alderman Tuffy Quinonez died Monday after suffering a stroke last week. He was 76.

Quinonez, who represented the 11th Ward, was a retired barbershop owner and U.S. Army veteran who was elected to the City Council in February 2017. He then he earned more than 60% of the vote to win reelection in February 2021.

“Tuffy was a proud veteran, successful businessman and dedicated community servant,” Mayor Tom McNamara said in a statement released by the city. “He was also a strong advocate for small businesses and the revitalization of the Broadway business district. I’m saddened by his passing.”

The city has canceled tonight’s scheduled City Council meeting due to Quinonez’s death.

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Alderman Mark Bonne said he will miss Quinonez’s presence on the City Council floor.

“He was a man of his word,” Bonne said on social media. “If Tuffy promised you his support, you could count on him.”

Bonne, a fellow Democrat, said those who served with Quinonez are feeling “very sad and a little empty right now.”

“Tuffy thoroughly enjoyed serving the people of the 11th Ward,” he said.

Quinonez also previously served on the Winnebago County Board.

“As a current alderman and former Winnebago County Board member, Tuffy dedicated his life to serving his community and he will be sorely missed,” Winnebago County Board Chairman Joe Chiarelli said in a statement.

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The city said 11th Ward residents who have an issue they would normally bring to their alderman’s attention can call the mayor’s office at 779-348-7333.