Mary Castrogiovanni

Mary Antoinette (Arbisi) Castrogiovanni, 88, passed to her family a legacy of faith, love, friendship and philanthropy that followed a lifetime of hard work when she left our world on Saturday, May 31st to join those who have passed before her into the kingdom of Heaven.
Born to Dominic and Theresa (Ginestra) Arbsisi on October 5, 1925, Mary graduated from West High School, Class of 1944 and achieved her BS degree from Rockford College in 1948. Following her employment at Rockford Memorial Hospital as a dietitian. Mary was united in marriage with her lifetime love and best friend, Alfred C. Castrogiovanni, October 8, 1949 at St. Anthony Church in Rockford.
Mary and Al were blessed with 4 children and shared 61 wonderful years together building their family. She was an amazing mother, gourmet cook and entertainer. Mary worked hard to support her community and the missions of the Rockford Woman's Club, Rockvale Children's home and the YWCA of Rockford as a board member for many years.
Mary helped to launch the deli portion of the family business with her husband and father-in-law, at Hilander Food Stores, and later established Stoneridge Pasta Company, which she began in the kitchen of the family home. Never one to sit idle Mary helped build and design all 3 of their family homes.
As their children grew and established families of their own, Mary gloriously assumed the role of devoted grandmother and teacher, instilling in her grandchildren her faith in God. Mary and Alfred spent the winter months at their condo on Marco Island, FL entertaining family and friends. She enjoyed cooking for her guests, some of her favorites were her popovers and converted cream pies! Family and friends were the heartbeat of Mary's life and she cherished their time and dinners together, whether at her home or at Giovanni's Restaurant, a Rockford staple and family success story.
Mary is survived by sons, Joseph (Susan) Castrogiovanni, Dominick (Trudy) Castrogiovanni; daughter, Theresa Castrogiovanni; grandchildren, Thomas "Rocky" (Kelly) Castelli, Alfred (Abbe) Castrogiovanni, Pierino Castelli, Allison (Brian) Grant and Michael Castrogiovanni along with 7 great-grandchildren; brother, Anthony (Mary) Arbisi; sister, Theresa (Bob) Ditzler; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Predeceased by husband, Alfred Castrogiovanni and daughter, Rosemary Key.
Although Mary will be missed, the impact she made upon the lives of so many is a testament to her outstanding talent, character and enduring love.
A Mass to celebrate the life of Mary A. Castrogiovanni will be held on Thursday, June 5, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church, 4001 Highcrest Road with Father James Ciaramitaro, OFM Conv. officiating. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until time of Mass at the church. Family will attend private burial services. Special thanks to the caregivers Sheila Tatum, Carol Stwen, Nicole Laman, Sonia and Heartland Hospice. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established to benefit the OSF School of Nursing Legacy Endowment Fund, OSF St. Anthony Foundation, 5666 E. State St. Rockford, IL 61108 and the Rockford YWCA, Mary Castrogiovanni Memorial Fund, 4990 E. State St. Rockford, IL 61107. Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Road, Rockford assisted the family. To express online condolences please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com