Salvatore Galluzzo

Salvatore Galluzzo, 82, of Rockford passed away Wednesday, May 4, 2016 surrounded by his loving family. Born March 6, 1934 in Aragona, Sicily, Italy; he was the third of nine children to his parents Gerlando and Alfonza Galluzzo. He and his siblings worked on the family farm at young ages and, like many other young men of Aragona during that generation, traveled to other European counties in search of employment opportunities when they became old enough to leave home. On January 16, 1962 he married Giuseppa Piranio in Aragona and immigrated to the United States later that year, settling in Rockford, Illinois to be later joined by four of his siblings and their spouses who also immigrated to Rockford, Illinois.

Salvatore enjoyed being surrounded by his children, grandchildren, extended family and friends, especially taking great joy with his grandchildren. Holiday gatherings were large and lively with plenty of food served throughout the day. He always worked hard to provide better opportunities for his children, instilling in them a strong work ethic, the importance of a good education and the moral obligation to help each other.

Survivors include his wife, Giuseppa; children, Alfonza Flo Wilson, Rosa Mendez, Gino (Angela) Galluzzo, Maria (Antonino) Pipitone, and Denise (Derek) Wimmer; grandchildren Brenda and Bob Wilson, Josie and Salvatore Mendez, Salvatore, Graziella, and Annalisa Galluzzo, Alberto and Anna Pipitone; brothers, Natale (Giuseppa) Galluzzo, Michele (Maria) Galluzzo; sisters, Carmela DiGiacomo, Gerlanda Salamone, Giuseppa (Rosario) Salamone, Rosa (Alfonso) DiGiacomo, Maria DiGiacomo; sisters in law, Rosa Solano, Gerlanda Piranio, Maria Caramazza; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was predeceased by his parents, Gerlando and Alfonza Galluzzo; his brother, Vincenzo Galluzzo; brothers in law, Pietro DiGiacomo, Filippo Salamone, Salvatore DiGiacomo, Gaspare Solano, Michele Piranio; and sister in law Colomba Piranio.

The Galluzzo family would like to thank the physicians and staff at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center, Rockford Cardiology and everyone at the DaVita Dialysis Center.

Funeral Mass at 10am Monday May 9, 2016 in Holy Family Catholic Church. Entombment in Sunset Memorial Gardens. Visitation from 2pm until 5pm Sunday in Fitzgerald Funeral Home 1860 S. Mulford Road with rosary at 5pm. Visitation also from 9am until 9:45 Monday in the church.