John A Terranova, Sr.

John A. Terranova Sr., 87, Rockford, passed away on Sunday, May 15, 2011 surrounded by his loving family. Born January 24, 1924 in Ottawa, IL; son of Louis and Angelina (Verona) Terranova. He was a graduate of West High School class of 1942. John was a veteran of WWII 1943-1946 serving in the European Theatre in the infantry. He married his love, Bernice Novotney on November 30, 1946 in St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church. John worked many years as a meat cutter until his retirement from Courtesy Foods in 1988. He then worked at Bobs Hardware for 21 years until his retirement in 2009. John loved his family and friends and will be greatly missed. Member of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, St. Anthony Holy Name Society and St. Ambrogio Society.

Survived by his loving wife of 64 plus years, Bernice; daughters, JoAnne (Vic) Mandala, Karen (Louie) Gugliuzza, Marguerite (Tom) Paravola; sons, John Jr. (Miechelle) and Louis Terranova; sister, Lily (Terranova) Tartaglia; sisters-in-law, Jennie Terranova, Irene Gutek Micklos and Helen Novotney; 20 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents; sisters, Catherine Smith, Marie Jones, Theresa Bradley and Helen Terranova; brothers, Joseph, Sam and Louis Terranova; grandson, Matthew Terranova.nbsp;

Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday May, 19, 2011 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church with Franciscan Friars officiating. Burial in Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. with Rosary recited at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Mulford Chapel. Visitation will continue from 10:00- 11:00 a.m. Thursday at the church.