FREEPORT—Aquin Catholic Schools announced the death of a longtime educator and supporter of Freeport Catholic Schools in a Facebook post on May 2. The school also announced that it would close for the day on May 18 so faculty, students and their families could attend services for David “Dave” Hawkinson. The closure will not affect graduation or the date for the last day of school.

 

Hawkinson, 74, Rockford, passed away peacefully in his home on April 30, 2023. He was born in Rockford,  on February 10, 1949, to Daryl and Stella (Brudnowski) Hawkinson. He is a graduate of Auburn High School, class of 1967. Dave received a Bachelor's degree from Western Illinois University and Master’s degree from Northern Illinois University. He played football at both Auburn High School and Western Illinois University and was a proud member of both Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity and Phi Delta Kappa International. 

 

Hawkinson’s obituary said he “married the love of his life, Rosann Smykay in Rockford on August 22, 1970, at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, and they are current parishioners at Holy Family Catholic Church. He worked for Rockford Public School District 205 as a teacher, coach, and principal, retiring in 2005. He didn’t let retirement last long and began employment that fall with the Diocese of Rockford Catholic Schools. He served as principal at St. Joseph Elementary School in Freeport; St. Bridget Catholic School in Rockford, and then returned to work at Freeport Aquin High School until his retirement in June of 2022. Dave always felt his employment with the Diocese of Rockford was a true blessing and he cherished the friendships that he formed with the wonderful administrators, staff, parents and students.”

 

Elizabeth Heitkamp wrote in the post announcing his death, that “Mr. Hawkinson spent many years at Aquin as both the Elementary Principal and the Assistant to the Superintendent. He was always kind, caring and loved the blue and gold. Since he retired it has not been the same without him walking the halls and cheering on our Bulldogs.”

 

Hawkinson is survived by his wife of 52 years, Rosann; his children Dana (Karen Johnson) Hawkinson and Amy (Matt) Marver; grandchildren Wyatt and Caroline Hawkinson, Anthony “AJ”, Joshua and Alison Marver; sisters-in-law Cindy (Brad Seago) Hawkinson and Connie (Tom) O’Connell; brother-in-law Ronnie (Cyndi DalFratello) Smykay; nieces and nephews Nicholas (Samatha) Hawkinson, Michael (Abbigale) Hawkinson, Ron (Chris) Smykay, Tracy Smykay Wallin, Debbie (Chris) Walker, Sheryl Simms and Liz (Jim) Walters and their families; his Aunt Helen and Uncle Roger Myers and numerous cousins.

 

A visitation was held May 17, 2023,  at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Rockford.  His funeral Mass was celebrated May 18, 2023 at Holy Family Catholic Church, Rockford with burial at Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Memorials may be made to either Corpus Christi Monastery of the Poor Clares, 2111 S. Main Street, Rockford, IL 61102 or to Aquin Catholic Schools, 1419 South Galena, Freeport, IL 61032.