ROCKFORD, Ill. — A businessman, developer and philanthropist who helped shape Rockford and guide its growth for four decades has died.
Sunil Puri died over the weekend at the age of 65 after a long battle with cancer.
Puri, founder and CEO of First Midwest Group, has said he came to the U.S. from India penniless with just $150 in his pocket, but rose to lead one of the largest development companies in northern Illinois.
Community leaders paid tribute to Puri on Facebook.
Sunil Puri, founder and president of First Rockford Group, speaks at a groundbreaking ceremony for Rockford Health Physicians’ new Belvedere clinic on Monday, June 23, 2014.
GoRockford CEO John Groh said many Rockford area attractions, including Mercyhealth Sportscore Two, UW Health Sports Factory and the Perryville trail system, would not exist without Puri, who was inducted into the GoRockford Tourism Hall of Fame in 2011.
“Sunil Puri was legendary in many ways,” Groh wrote. “He was always moving, always thinking, always trying to make things happen … especially in his adopted hometown of Rockford.”
Puri is the driving force behind some of the area’s most prominent developments and shopping centers, along Perryville Road, East State Street, Riverside Boulevard in Rockford, Loves Park, and Illinois Route 173 in Macesney Park.
Some projects include Volcano Falls, the Woodman’s and Meijer stores on Perryville Road and ShowPlace 14 in Macesney Park. He also worked on several developments in downtown Rockford, including the William Brown Lofts, Hinshaw & Culbertson Building and The District Bar & Grill.
After coming to the United States from Bombay, India, in 1979, he attended Rockford University, graduating in 1982 with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting.
Mayor Tom McNamara recalled that Puri gave him good advice when he first ran for office, focusing on investments in infrastructure and people.
“Rockford will miss Sunil,” McNamara said. “He meant so much to me and the entire city. He was strong, 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 with Puri’s death, “Illinois has lost a giant in business and philanthropy, and I have lost a friend I’ve known since college.”
“Many people know Sunil for his incredible achievements in business and his generosity, but not everyone knows that he is also an ordained minister,” Severson wrote on Facebook. “To Lori and me, he was the man we married, and that means the world. Sunil’s life touched so many lives, and his kindness, faith, and friendship had a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.”
The Puri Foundation, which Puri created in 2014, donated $250,000 to create a scholarship program with former Rockford Mayor Charles Box to send Rockford students to Rockford University’s Puri College of Business.
He also supports the Rock Valley YMCA. The YMCA facility in Perryville is named for the Puri family, who previously donated $2.25 million to the organization’s expansion.
In addition, Puri has donated 8 acres of land to Rockford Christian School for dormitories, supports the Rockford Family Peace Center, the Salvation Army, and has donated to many charities and non-profit organizations including Remedies Renewing Lives.
Puri is survived by his long-term partner Candace Ross and his children Ashwin, Chandan and Anjali Puri.
A celebration of life is planned for noon March 14 at City First Church, 5950 Spring Creek Road, Rockford. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to noon prior to the service.
Sunil Puri speaks at the 165th Charter Day Conference at Rockford College’s Maddox Theater on Wednesday, February 29, 2012.
This story has been updated to include additional information.
Jeff Kolkey writes about government, economic development and other issues for the Rockford Chronicle-Star. You can contact him via email at jkolkey@rrstar.com and @JeffCorky.
This article originally appeared in the Rockford Register Star: Rockford developer Sunil Puri dies of cancer
