Richard J. Lazzerini

RICHARD J. LAZZERINI, 77, lifelong Rockford resident, died at 9:00 p.m. Monday, June 18, 2007 in his home.nbsp; Born February 19, 1930, son of Anthony Bob, of Arezzo, Italynbsp; and Amelia Cagnoni Lazzerini. Graduated from St. Thomas High School in 1948.nbsp; Married Joan Potenziani at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Rockford on November 12, 1955.nbsp; In earlier years he was involved in the family businesses, Top Hat Foods and Charles Street Foods.nbsp; He was then employed by W.I. Canteen, The Cloisters of Rockford and retired as owner of his own business.nbsp; He was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church.nbsp; Richard was the best grandpa in the world and was always supportive of his grandchildrens sporting events and activities. He was known as Pop to his grandchildren and all of their friends. Richard was able to converse on any subject and was an avid hockey fan. He had an amazing gift of making people feel comfortable and confident and was always easy to talk to. He related especially well to children. nbsp; Survivors include his wife, Joan; daughters, Holly (Jay) Lazzerini Mathur, Belvidere and Cindy (Roland) Rodriguez, Loves Park; grandchildren, Jay and Joel Mathur and Rollie (R.J.)nbsp; and Isabella Rodriguez; sisters-in-law, Cecelia Lazzerini and Ramona (Lyle) Tollefson; nieces, nephews and many cousins. Predeceased by his parents, his son, Jimmie in November of 1968 and his brother Roger. nbsp; A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 23, 2007 in Holy Family Catholic Church. Entombment in Sunset Memorial Gardens Mausoleum.nbsp; Visitation from 4-6 p.m. on Friday in Fitzgerald Funeral Home amp; Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. and from 9:30 a.m. until time of the Mass on Saturday in the church.nbsp; Memorials may be made to the family.nbsp; Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.