Salvatore "Sal" M. Laloggia

Salvatore “Sal” M. LaLoggia, 91, Rockford, passed away Monday, January 29, 2024. He was born October 26, 1932 in Calumet City, IL to parents Michele and Vincenza (Scuirba) LaLoggia. Sal attended St. James Catholic School, graduating high school and college from Sacred Heart Seminary in Geneva, IL where he became fluent in the Latin language. Sal was a veteran, serving in the United States Army. He married Mary A. Saladino on September 3, 1956, in St. Anthony of Padua Catholic church and had two children, Vincenza (Vinnie) and Michael. Mary passed away on March 21, 1992. Sal then married Judy (Sliktas) Dahl Papich on May 25, 2002, bringing their families together for many years of great food, laughter and many lasting memories.

Sal was a meat cutter at the A & P store on West State St, Rockford, IL, before working at the Chrysler Corporation in Belvidere for 32 years until his retirement. After retirement he worked part time as a meat cutter, once again, at Noble’s Grocery on Jefferson Street. Then later for Fitzgerald Funeral Home, which he enjoyed very much in his later years.

Sal was a dedicated Catholic and served in many capacities over the years within St. Anthony Church, such as past president of Senior Holy Name, St. Joseph altars, lecturing at Mass, giving Holy Communion and other tasks and assistance with whatever was needed at Church. He was a very spiritual man who never wavered in his faith and love of God. Sal loved music and played upright bass with his brothers and various bands and friends for many years for different events. He was also widely known as one of the best unpaid comedians of all time. He was quick witted and sure to crack a smile on the face of family, friends or strangers. There was not a soul that Sal didn’t touch with his wonderful humor, compassion and love. Sal was a great husband, father, Papa Sal, Nano, uncle, brother-in-law and friend. He never met a stranger and will be terribly missed.

Sal is survived by his wife, Judy; his daughter, Vincenza LaLoggia Elliott and her children, Stephanie Cacciatore, Philip (Ashley) Cacciatore, Jr, James (Jo Emely Ramirez) Elliott III, Brandon Elliott and Kayla (Wesley) Elliott-Wildman; his son, Michael G. (Rae) LaLoggia and his children, Joseph (Aga) LaLoggia and Andrea (Rob) Mawyer. Judy’s children: daughter Nicole Dunlap and her children, Rebecca Goodson and Morgan Dunlap; son Jarrod Dahl (fiancé, Danielle White) and his children, Christian, Carson, Keegan and Corbin Dahl; daughter CheRay Maville and her children, Kori Koss and Kiara Maville; daughter Nadine (Michael) Garrison and their son, Asher; son Derek Papich and his sons, Neil and Hank Hoppes; 14 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents, sisters Maria Cavallaro and Rosalie Armato; brothers Cono, Vincent and Angelo LaLoggia; sisters-in-law Carmella LaLoggia and Theresa LaLoggia; brothers-in-law Joseph Cavallaro and Michael Armato; grandson Jason Corbin and son-in-law James Elliott, Jr.

A visitation will be held Tuesday, February 6, 2024, from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m., with rosary recited at 6:45 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd, Rockford, IL.

Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., with visitation from 10:00 a.m. until 11 a.m. prior to Mass at St. Anthony Catholic Church, 1010 Ferguson St. Rockford, IL, 61102 with Reverend Carl Beekman officiating; burial following at Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Please share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.