Salvatore 'Sal' James Aronica

Salvatore ‘Sal’ James Aronica, 65 of Rockford, passed away at River Bluff Nursing Home on Sunday, September 15, 2024, at 11:11 a.m. Born in Rockford, Illinois on June 2, 1959, to Armando and Franchesca Aronica. Sal worked hard as a welder in fabrication since he was a teenager. On the side and in his heart, he was a musician. A proud multi-instrumentalist, he favored playing guitar, especially rock n’ roll and metal music. He had an especially deep love for Jimi Hendrix, even telling people he chose his middle name, James, as a tribute to him. Sal was an amazing cook; being a first-generation Sicilian, he took great pride in working at his father’s restaurant, Armando’s, where he crafted homemade pastas and pizza. He held a very special bond with his father. 

He is greatly missed and survived by his mother, Franchesca; children, Tiffany (Billy) Henson, Amanda Aronica, Salvatore (Jessica) Aronica; siblings, Kelly (Patty) Aronica, Mary (Brian) Tjenstrom, Rick (Theresa) Aronica; grandchildren, Domenica Hess, Abrianna Hess, Brooklyn Henson, Zachary Henson, Mia Henson, VeraLynn Weed, Aurora Weed, Malynn Weed, Tony Carter, Salvatore Aronica, Roran Aronica; great-grandchild, Violet Turczyn; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his father, Armando, and grandmother, Domenica Cavallaro. 

A celebration of life for Sal will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Association at Alzheimer's Association | Donate to Fight Alzheimer's Disease, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601. To send online condolences and share memories, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com.