Marcella P. Cacciatore

Marcella P. Cacciatore, 93, of Rockford, IL passed away Sunday, January 19, 2020. She was born August 1, 1926 in Rockford, IL the daughter of Joseph and Edith (Barconi) Alonzo.
When Marcella Cacciatore walked into any room, it lit up. She was truly a light for everyone who was blessed to have met her. Her laugh, her youthful vitality, her made-up words, her nicknames for everyone, her infectious sense of humor, her ability to find the joy in every single day, all made her simply unforgettable. At any party, she was the party. She loved the sunshine, to dance for absolutely no reason at all, to cook Italian feasts for her family every Sunday afternoon.

Marcella lived a life marked by how she built into others’ lives; first and foremost with her family whom she showered with unconditional love, fierce loyalty, the world’s best pasta and the occasional colorful Italian phrase. She married the love of her life, Steve Cacciatore on May 31st, 1948, with whom she raised 3 boys; Carl, Steve and Tim. Together they built a beautiful family and a home marked by the sharing of love, joy and Italian traditions. She was active in a number of community groups such as St. Rita Church, St. Ambrosio Society, and the Catholic Society of Foresters.

Those who knew Marcella, knew you never had to wonder what she was really thinking, because she would tell you immediately. She had the rare ability to speak her mind with no filter and leave you smiling, often laughing out loud, and always grateful for her refreshing honesty. Like Frank Sinatra, she “did it her way” and she has inspired three generations of family and countless friends to wrap life up with two wide-open arms in just the same way.

Survived by her sons, Carl (Sharon) Cacciatore, Steve (Mary Lou) Cacciatore and Tim (Sandy) Cacciatore; grandchildren, Chris Cacciatore, Jared (Ciara) Cacciatore, Carly (Mike) Williamson , Callie Dixon, Allyson (Thom) Loomis; great grandchildren, Devin Williamson, Hayley Williamson, Hayes Dixon, Tallulah Dixon, Haddie Dixon, Nash Cacciatore, Charlotte Loomis; brother, Joseph (Beth) Alonzo; brother-in-law, Carl (Mary) Cacciatore; sister-in-law, Mary Stassi and numerous nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her parents; husband, Steven; sister, Rose Prentice and brother, Frank Alonzo.
Funeral Mass held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 31, 2020 at St. Rita Catholic Church, 6254 Valley Knoll Dr, Rockford, IL 61109. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a rosary to follow Thursday, January 30, 2020 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Rockford, IL 61108 and again from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 Friday at the church. Private burial at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family for a cause to be determined. Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com