Alfredo A Cosimini

ALFREDO 'AL' COSIMINI, 76
ROCKFORD — Alfredo “Al” Cosimini, 76, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours Saturday, January 24, 2015, at the Rockford Memorial Hospital with Mary, his loving wife of 51 years, at his side. Al, born in Chicago on No-vember 23, 1938, was the son of Renato and Vera (Schiavinato) Cosimini, whose parents emigrated from Northern Italy. From an early age, Al acquired strong family values; and as a teenager, when his dad was too sick to work, he quit school to get a job and help support his family. Furthering his desire to serve, Al enlisted in the U.S. Army and served from 1960 to 1962. His military duties included accompanying his troop to Germany in re-sponse to the Berlin Crisis of 1961. It was from that experience that he received the distinction of becoming a Veteran of Foreign Wars. On September 21, 1963, Al married Mary Pizzitola; and from that time, until his death, Al’s focus was his family, all of whom survive, devoted wife, Mary Cosimi-ni; beloved children, Nico-lette (Joe) Rongere, Mark (Lisa) Cosimini, and Donna (Joe) Sanfratello; precious grandchildren, Angelo, An-thony, Michael, AnnaMarie, Tony, Nico, Nicolas, and Adriana; and dear great-grandchild ElleAnna. While his children were growing up, Al held various jobs as a bread and milk de-liveryman, insurance salesman, and small grocery store owner. His employment always served two purposes, providing the basic needs of his family and allowing the freedom to spend quality time with them. Al spent over a dozen years involved with his passion, coaching kids in baseball, softball, and boxing. His involvement with hundreds of kids helped guide them toward leading successful and pro-ductive lives, many of whom remained in contact with him for decades following their interaction. Following his kids growing up and the end of his “coaching” career, Al began employment in club man-agement. He spent a com-bined 25 years in this field, working first as manager of the Venetian Club and later as manager of the LLL Club, where he retired in 2001. These positions fit perfectly with Al’s love of people and gift of gab. To this day, many still fondly recall how Al would debate his theories of the world with anyone who would listen. One may not have always agreed with these theories, but all who listened thoroughly enjoyed his thought process. Those who knew Al were blessed. He was loved and will be missed by all.
Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, January 27, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 3910 North Rockton Avenue, Rockford; and from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, January 28, at St. Jane de Chantel Catholic Church, 5252 South Austin Ave, Chicago, with a mass at the church commencing at 11 a.m. Immediately following the mass, a graveside service will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, 3100 Thatcher Avenue, River Grove. Arrangement made by Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 3910 N. Rockton Ave., Rockford, IL 61103. Online condolences may be offered at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.