Alfred C. Castrogiovanni

ALFRED C. CASTROGIOVANNI, 87 FEB. 3, 1923 TO JUNE 9, 2010 A LIFE FULL...A FULL LIFE ROCKFORD - Born to Joe and Rose (Buscemi) Castrogiovanni, Al Castrogiovanni built and lived a life masterfully woven with heritage, intelligence, faith, love, hard work, friends and family. He began his journey as a youth in Rockford, proudly serving as an altar boy at St. Anthony Church, where he also attended grade school. He then graduated from St. Thomas High School, and went on to achieve a B.S. in Economics from Loras College in 1949. The following fall, Al married Mary Arbisi of Rockford and returned to work with his father and older brother, Tony, in the family business, Sanitary Meat Market. This small family owned store grew to become one of the first supermarkets in the area, Hilander Foods, of which Al, Tony and younger brothers John and Joe were founding partners. Al was a smart businessman and an innovator, but hands-down, his favorite part of his work was meeting and serving his customers. Al honestly cared for the people that came through the doors and they cared for him. He built and believed in relationships. He was genuine. Together with the love of his life, Mary, Al was blessed with children, Rosemary (Key) (deceased), Joe (Sue Zammuto), Don (Trudy Hooper) and Theresa Castrogiovanni; grandchildren, Rocky (Kelly Vecchio) Castelli, Pierino Castelli, Allison Castelli, Michael Castrogiovanni and Alfred (Abbe Graceffa) Castrogiovanni; and great-grandchildren, Thomas, Samuel, Bella Marie and Kate Grace. As large as life, always with a lesson to teach, Al was a devout man who believed in God. He prayed nightly for his family and for those he believed could use a little extra help. He was an avid gardener, a man who loved traveling, gourmet food and good people to share it with - especially at the bar named in his honor, "Big Al's." Al Castrogiovanni lived, he laughed, he loved and he was grateful. A mass to celebrate and bless the life of Al Castrogiovanni at 10 a.m. Monday, June 14, in Holy Family Catholic Church, 4407 Highcrest Road, with visitation from 9 a.m. to service time; Monsignor Kagan will officiate. The family will attend private burial services. Special thanks to the staff at OSF and SwedishAmerican Hospitals. A memorial fund is being established in Al's name to support the Rockford Park District Foundation/Nicholas Conservatory Fund. In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to the Conservatory Fund at 401 S. Main St., Rockford IL 61101. Arrangements completed by Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Mulford Chapel.