Alfonso Mera

Alfonso P. Al Mera, 88

Devoted Husband, Father and Grandfather

Alfonso P. Al Mera, 88, Rockford, died on Saturday, November 24, 2012 in Rockford Memorial Hospital following a long struggle with Guillain Barre Syndrome.

Born July 8, 1924 in Rockford, son of Salvatore and Anna Turiciano Mera. Graduated from East High School in 1943. Veteran of the U.S. Army where he served in North Africa and Italy with the 91 st Infantry Division. He was the recipient of 3 Bronze Stars. Married Katherine Pantaleo in St. Anthony of Padua Church on July 10, 1948. Started his career with the United States Postal Service as part time clerk in December of 1945 and retired as Director of Labor and Employee Relations 42 years later on January 2, 1986. He was a 4 th Degree Knights of Columbus member and a member of the Honor Guard. He was an active member of the YMCA Retired Mens Club, and the National Association of Active and Retired Federal Employees.

Al was a fun loving man who was a diehard Cubs, Bears and Bulls fan. He and Katherine loved to travel and had shared many trips together. He was a wonderful gardener, always sharing his bounty with neighbors and friends, and he was a great Italian cook as well. Making hundreds of Italian Christmas cookies every year and cooking a spaghetti dinner from scratch for the YMCA Retired Mens Club for many years were just some of the ways he volunteered his time and talents with others. He was a loving family man and caregiver whose greatest joy was spending time with his children, grandchildren and greatgrandchild. The family would like to give a special thank you to Jurga and Zack for the comfort and help they provided Al, and they also extend gratitude to the dedicated therapists and caregivers who believed in Al and gave him encouragement during the past 14 months.

Survivors include his daughters, Ann (Keith) Sword, Rockford and Mary (Bob) Starnes, Wauwautosa, WI; grandchildren Amy Sword, Jenny Swanson, Brady Starnes and Meredith Starnes; greatgranddaughter, Gabrielle Swanson; brotherinlaw, Frank Pantaleo; nieces and nephews, Josephine Caiozzo, Sal Caiozzo, Tom Varisco, Sue Varisco, Pat Houser and Barb Montenero. Predeceased by his wife on September 11, 2006, his parents; sisters, Mary Caiozzo and Josephine Varisco; brother, Pasquale Mera; sistersinlaw, Josephine Mera and Frances Pantaleo; brotherinlaw, Vince Caiozzo and nephew, Joe Caiozzo.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, November 29, 2012 in St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church with the Franciscan Friars officiating. Burial in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation from 58 p.m. Wednesday in Fitzgerald Funeral Home amp; Crematory, Riverside Chapel, 3910 N. Rockton Ave. with a Rosary to be recited at 7:30 p.m. Visitation also from 9:00 a.m. until 9:45 a.m. on Thursday at the church. Memorials may be made to the family.