Sam Pirrello

Sam Slue Pirrello 93 of Rockford passed away Thursday August 16, 2012 in Alden Debes Nursing Home.nbsp; Slue was born in Rockford, the son of Sam and Felicia Pirrello.nbsp; He married Mary Gagliano on October 17, 1947 in St Anthony Church.nbsp; He joined the Army in 1938, serving in WWII in the Pacific campaign.nbsp; He then worked at Winnebago Cabinet for 10 years and Empire Packing.nbsp; In 1964 he established Forest City Packers with his partners. Henry Torchia and Mike Ruvolo.nbsp; Slue was a member of St Anthony Church, St Ambrogio, Verdi Club and St Anthony Holy Name Society.nbsp; Slue loved playing cards, cooking at home and for his church and gardening.nbsp;nbsp; He was Rockfords best pitch player for over 50 years.

Survivors include five children, Sam (Linda) Pirrello of Rockford, Felicia Pirrello of Denver, CO, Jo Mary (Douglas) Dahl of Indian Hills, CO, Billy Pirrello of Rockford and Patty Sweeney of Missouri.nbsp; Grandchildren, Tony Pirrello and Liz Pirrello, Alysia Nelson, Karl Mauk and Heather Ledesma.nbsp; Great grandsons Jaxon Lucas and Angelito Ledesma , Sister, Elizabeth Libby Getty of Rockford and Sisterinlaw Angie Pirrello.nbsp; Predeceased by his parents, Son Anthony, Brothers, Paul Duke, Joe and Russ. Sister, Eleanor Laura Harding .

Mass of Christian Burial at 11am Tuesday August 21, 2012 in St Anthony of Padua Church with burial in Calvary Cemetery.nbsp; Visitation from 9am until time of service Tuesday in the church.nbsp; In lieu of flowers memorials to St Anthony Church.nbsp; Arrangements completed by Fitzgerald Funeral Home Riverside Chapel.nbsp;nbsp; Express online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com