Anthony P. Tony LaSala, 92, Rockford, died at 12:15 p.m. Thursday, October 28, 2010 in Neighbors Rehabilitation Center, Byron.nbsp; Born September 20, 1918 in Rockford, son of Frank and Josephine (Armato) LaSala.nbsp; Married Mary Abruzzo in Rockford on February 25, 1946; she died on July 4, 1958.nbsp; On October 10, 1959 he married Lucille Ann Miller and she died August 9, 2003.nbsp; WWII veteran of the US Army. He owned the Broadway Shoe Repair for many years and worked at Rockford Products for over 20 years, retiring in 1978. Member of St. Edward Catholic Church where he was also a member of the Senior Group.nbsp; Member of the Knights of Columbus.nbsp; Tony enjoyed woodworking, bowling and playing cards.nbsp; He loved animals and especially loved feeding the squirrels and birds. nbsp;He was a wonderful father, whose children have cherished memories of him always whistling, and his grandchildren were the light of his life.nbsp;
Survivors include his children, Frank (Cindy) LaSala, Columbus, NJ, Jo Marie (Gene) Cook, Byron, Marlowe (Vicky) Sheldon, Rockford and Rosemary (Michael) Swanson, Roscoe; grandchildren, Ben LaSala, Anthony (Tara) LaSala, Aaron Gustafson, Adam (Mary) Gustafson, Jim (Dynell) Sheldon, Stacey Sheldon, Tony (Gina) Swanson, Daniel Swanson, Anna Swanson; special step-grandchildren, Monica, Denise and Cheryl.nbsp; Also survived by great-grandchildren, Alexis, Nicholas, Cameron, Anthony, Zoe, Justin, Tyler, Dominic, Jack, Keegan and Anthony Paul; 2 special step great-grandchildren, Samuel and Madeleine; brother Alex (Emma) LaSala and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.nbsp; Also predeceased by his parents, granddaughter, Jennifer Sheldon; brothers, Michael, Joseph and Sam LaSala and sisters, Mary LaSala and Fannie Cuccia.nbsp; The family would like to give a special thank-you to the Ogle County Hospice and the staff of Neighbors Rehabilitation Center for the loving care that they gave to Tony.
A memorial visitation will be held from 9-11 a.m. Tuesday, November 2, 2010 in Fitzgerald Funeral Home amp; Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. followed by a Memorial Mass at noon in St. Anthony Catholic Church with the Franciscan Friars officiating.nbsp; Memorials may be made tonbsp; Ogle County Hospice.nbsp; Express condolences and share memories at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.