Gerald F. Tuite, Sr., 85, died Tuesday, December 31, 2013 in Naples, Fla. He was a former long time Rockford resident.

Gerald was a combat infantry leader as well as a chief photographer for the US Army Signal Corp in Japan during the Korean War. After the Army, he attended Rockford College and Georgetown University. He then attended Chicago-Kent College of Law, graduating with Honors and a Juris Doctor degree in 1958. During law school, he worked as a claims adjuster for Travelers Insurance Company.

In 1958, he opened his law office in Rockford, Illinois. His law firm of Gerald Tuite & Associates specialized in Labor Law, Workers' Compensation Law and Personal Injury Law. He was the Senior Partner of the firm, where he handled and litigated cases for injured workers. His son, Gregory Tuite, began practicing in his father's law firm and has taken over the firm, which is now known as Greg Tuite & Associates.

Gerald was active in Democratic politics in Rockford. He was a candidate for State's Attorney in 1960. He also served as a Precinct Committeeman and Vice Chairman of the Winnebago County Democratic Party, and was active in campaigns for local, state, and national offices. He also served as an Assistant Attorney General for eight years. Gerald was a frequent lecturer on workers' rights before labor unions, employer organizations, and at Bar Association seminars. He was a member of the American Bar Association, Illinois Bar Association, and the American and Illinois Trial Lawyers Associations. He received numerous awards for his service to various organizations. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, Naples Yacht Club, Big Foot Country Club, The Metropolitan Club, Phi Delta Phi Law Fraternity, and was a charter member of Saint Bridget Church in Loves Park, Illinois.

Gerald is survived by his beloved wife, Francine Williams Tuite, of Naples, Florida and his children: Attorney Gregory E. Tuite (Mary) of Rockford, Illinois; Dr. Gerald F. Tuite, Jr. (Susan) of St. Petersburg, Florida; Michael P. Tuite (Jenifer) of Tampa, Florida; and Tracy Beraud (Paul) of Parrish, Florida, as well as nine grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. Predeceased by his father, John C. Tuite, mother, Mildred Murphy Tuite and brother John Tuite.

Services have been held. Express condolences and share memories at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.