ROCKFORD, IL — A businessman, developer and philanthropist who helped to shape Rockford and guide its development over four decades has died.
Sunil Puri died over the weekend after a lengthy battle with cancer at age 65.
The founder and CEO of First Midwest Group who once said he came to the United States from India with just $150 in his pocket and few possession, Puri rose to lead one of the largest development firms in Northern Illinois.
Community leaders posted tributes to Puri on Facebook.
GoRockford CEO John Groh said that many Rockford-area attractions including Mercyhealth Sportscore Two, UW Health Sports Factory and the Perryville path system would not exist without Puri, who was inducted into the GoRockford Tourism Hall of Fame in 2011.
“Sunil Puri was larger-than-life in so many ways,” Groh wrote. “He was always moving, always thinking, always working to make something happen … especially in and for his adopted hometown of Rockford.”
Puri was the driving force behind some of the area’s most prominent developments and shopping centers along Perryville Road, East State Street and Riverside Boulevard in Rockford and Loves Park along with Illinois Route 173 in Machesney Park.
Some projects have included Volcano Falls, the Woodman’s and Meijer stores on Perryville Road and ShowPlace 14 in Machesney Park. He was also behind several developments in downtown Rockford including the William Brown Lofts, the Hinshaw & Culbertson building and The District Bar & Grill.
He supported Rockford University where he went to school after coming to the United States from Bombay, India in 1979, graduating in 1982 with a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting.
Mayor Tom McNamara recalled that Puri gave him sound advice when he was first running for office to focus on investments in infrastructure and people.
“Rockford will miss Sunil,” McNamara said. “He meant a great deal to me and the entire city. He was tough smart, funny and thoughtful. He gave generously to individuals and organizations and his impact will be felt in Rockford for generations.”
State Sen. Dave Syverson said that when Puri died, “Illinois lost a giant in business and philanthropy, and I lost a friend I’ve had since college.”
“Many people know Sunil for the incredible things he accomplished in business and for his generosity, but not everyone knows he was also an ordained minister,” Syverson wrote on Facebook. “It meant the world to Lori and me that he was the one who married us. Sunil’s life touched so many people, and his kindness, faith, and friendship made a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.”
The Puri Foundation, created by Puri in 2014, donated $250,000 to create a scholarship program with former Rockford Mayor Charles Box to send Rockford students to the Puri School of Business at Rockford University.
He has also supported the YMCA of the Rock River Valley. A YMCA facility on Perryville was named for the Puri family after he donated $2.25 million for the organization to expand.
In addition, Puri donated 8 acres of land to Rockford Christian Schools for residence halls, supported the Rockford Family Peace Center, The Salvation Army and donated to Remedies Renewing Lives among many other charities and nonprofits.
Puri is survived by his longtime partner, Candace Ross, and his children, Ashwin, Chandan and Anjali Puri.
A celebration of life is planned at noon March 14 at City First Church, 5950 Spring Creek Road in Rockford. A visitation will precede the service from 10 a.m. to noon.
This story was updated to include additional information.
Jeff Kolkey writes about government, economic development and other issues for the Rockford Register Star. He can be reached via email at jkolkey@rrstar.com and on X @jeffkolkey.
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Sunil Puri, Rockford developer and philanthropist, dies at 65
Reporting by Jeff Kolkey, Rockford Register Star / Rockford Register Star
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