Armando Aronica

Armando Aronica, 82, of Rockford passed away Wednesday, August 9, 2017. Born May 27, 1935, in Palermo, Sicily, the son of Achille and Mariantonia (Modica) Aronica. Armando married Frances LoGuidice on March 2, 1954. He was a welder by trade working for United Sheet Metal and retiring from Borg Warner. He would often say he learned English working in the shop. In retirement, he open Armando’s and Vinny’s pizzerias. Armando was 5’ tall with a heart larger than life; he had the ability to light up every room he entered. He was an excellent provider, was always there to help anyone and a father to all. Armando sang like a bird and loved Pavarotti and Bocelli.

Lovingly survived by his wife, Frances; children, Kelly (Patrice) Aronica, Mary (Brian) Tjenstrom, Salvatore Aronica and Rick (Theresa) Aronica; grandchildren, Gregg Aronica, Ariel Aronica, Eric Tjenstrom, Allison (Dustin) Smith, Brandon Aronica, Nathan Bond, Brandon Kolthoff, Ricky Aronica, Salvatore Aronica Jr., Tiffany (Billy) Henson and Amanda Aronica; many loving great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents and 15 siblings.

Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, August 14, 2017 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 1010 Ferguson St. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until 9:45 a.m. at the church. Entombment at Calvary Catholic Cemetery to follow. Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Riverside Chapel, is assisting the family. To express online condolences, please visit: www.fitzgeraldfh.com.