Michael J. Anastase

Michael J. Anastase, 78, lifelong Rockford resident, died at 11:25 a.m. Wednesday, December 24, 2008 in Provena Cor Mariae Center.  Born January 11, 1930, son of James and Lenore Saladino Anastase.  Graduated from West High School in 1948.  Veteran of the U.S. Army, having served during the Korean Conflict.  Married Beth Williams in St. Anthony Catholic Church in Rockford on September 8, 1956.  Member of St. Bernadette Catholic Church.  He and his wife were the owners of Vinces Hardware on South Main Street for 18 years and he had been employed there for 20 years prior to ownership.  He was a member of the Macktown Golfing Association.  Michael was a great Chicago Bears and Cubs fan and loved casino gambling.  He was  a loyal and loving friend. A special thank you is given to the nurses, therapy staff and all of the caregivers at Provena Cor Mariae Center and Hospice Care of America for taking such good care of Michael during his stay there.    Survivors include his wife, Beth; aunts, Mary Saladino and Pearl Catalani; special friends, John and Darlene Hamaker and Dale and Linda Engelkens; his golfing partner, John Anderson; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins and many, many friends.  Predeceased by his parents and his brother, Andrew.   A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Monday, December 29, 2008 in St. Bernadette Catholic Church with Rev. John L. Stringini officiating.  Burial in Calvary Cemetery.  Visitation from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Sunday in Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Riverside Chapel, 3910 N. Rockton Ave. with a Christian Wake Service to be held at 7:30 p.m. Visitation also from 9:30 a.m. until 10:15 a.m. at the church on Monday.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family.  Condolences and remembrances may be made at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.