Adriano Spizzirri

Visitation Date: Thursday, April 8, 2021
Visitation Time: 3:00-9:00 p.m.
Funeral Date: Friday, April 9th, 2021
Funeral Time: 10:00 am
Place of Funeral: St. Peter Damian Church
Funeral Notes: Family and friends are invited to gather at the funeral home Friday at 9:00 a.m. During visiting hours, it is still recommended to follow the current State of Illinois Guidelines, and guests should continue to wear masks and practice social distancing.
Interment: All Saints Cemetery

Adriano E. Spizzirri, Beloved Husband of Lina (nee Mirabelli); Devoted Father of Frank (Mary), Cristina (Steve) Federighi and Edward (Jessica) Spizzirri; Loving Nannu of Victoria, Adrian, Mira, Giorgio, Sophia and Adriana; Dear Brother of Tecla, Maria and the late Vincenza, Franca and Archimede; Loving uncle, cousin and friend to many.

Adriano was born in Rende, Cosenza, Italy. He emigrated to the United States in 1950 to meet his father and join in the pursuit of the American Dream, settling in Oak Park, IL. He became a naturalized citizen, joined the U.S. Army, and spent two years in Korea with the 434th Engineer Construction Battalion during the Korean War. Afterwards he returned to Italy to propose to his beloved bride, Lina, of 59 years, and setting roots in the western suburbs of West Chicago, IL where they raised three children, Frank, Cristina, and Eddie. With an amazing work ethic unseen today, he worked 40 years at Regensteiner Publishing as a Lithographer, built 2 homes, and had a vacation home in Siesta Key, FL. His love for the outdoors was strong, and you would rarely find him inside. He was always working on projects, planting trees, and gardening.
His love for the old country was ever present, where he held culinary and cultural traditions near and dear to his heart, and loved to share them with family and friends. He had one of the largest Christmas nativity sets around with dozens of hand-formed antique figurines, and this “presepio” became an annual highlight for friends and family who loved to see it, even drawing the attention of the local newspaper who published a piece on it. He enjoyed making homemade wine, sausages, and anything that reminded him of the old country, although he loved a good Chicago-style hot dog and fried rice from the local Chinese restaurant.
Adriano spent his entire life immersed in the arts, from a young apprentice in Italy, all through his adulthood painting oil on canvas, with a specific focus on landscapes. His works hang in many homes and businesses. Over the last 30 years, Adriano and Lina enjoyed global travel, touring, and cruising with their friends and family. However his favorite pastime was enjoying his grandchildren and being a part of their daily lives.