U.S. Veteran

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.

Guestbook


Posted by:
Nicholas Spina

Posted on:
Friday, July 9, 2021

Extreme sorrow on the passing of Adriano, I did not know he had passed. He was a true Italian gentleman and my dear amico.

Posted by:
Rosina Bruno Ruffolo

Posted on:
Thursday, April 15, 2021

Dear Comare Lina and Family, We are so sad to hear about Compare Adriano. He was such a kind, gentle and sweet man. Our deepest condolences to all of you. May he rest in peace. Love, Rosina and Frank

Posted by:
Darlene White

Posted on:
Friday, April 9, 2021

Our deepest condolences to Zia Lina and the entire Spizzirri family. We remember Zio Adriano as a talented, kind, and joyful gentleman. He always had a smile on his face and a good story to tell. We think of you during this very difficult time. With love, Darlene, Ernesto & Aidan

Posted by:
Silvia Mirabelli

Posted on:
Friday, April 9, 2021

Junto a ustedes en este momento a ti Zia Lina a ustedes queridos primos en la distancia con todo cariño y un cariñoso recuerdo para Zio Adriano. Silvia Mirabelli y Familia.

Posted by:
Giuseppina Alving

Posted on:
Friday, April 9, 2021

My hearth goes to all of you! Zio Adriano was loved by many and will be remembered fondly. Rest in peace, caro zio; you are going to paint with the Angels... With much love.

Posted by:
Emily Iaccino

Posted on:
Friday, April 9, 2021

Dear Lina and family, I feel your loss in my heart! Even though we didn’t see each other since Oak Park you were often in my thoughts. Adriano was the kindest and sweetest man I ever met. His presepio will be remembered for years to come.(I remember it in oak park) Please accept my deepest condolences. Love, Emily

Posted by:
Lonnie Reincke

Posted on:
Thursday, April 8, 2021

Adrian was such a kind gentle soul and will be remembered for the thoughtful wonderful neighbor & friend. Condolences to the entire Spizzirri family. May you always feel him with you.

Posted by:
Anonymous

Posted on:
Thursday, April 8, 2021

I am sorry for your loss

Posted by:
Alfonsina and Fabio Saluri

Posted on:
Thursday, April 8, 2021

We deeply saddened by the loss of Zio. I had the pleasure of having chats with him in Chicago and at several family weddings in Toronto and Ottawa and at times at my parent’s home where he always made sure to stop by and say hello. Family was always important to him and he always made sure to share a story or two of memories from back home in Rende who he was very proud of. He was a proud family man, proud of his heritage and never forgot his roots. Zio will always be remembered and always be in our hearts. Love, Alfonsina, Fabio, Isabella and Giulia Saluri

Posted by:
Carlo e Natalina Greco

Posted on:
Wednesday, April 7, 2021

Sentite condoglianze per il nostro caro cugino Adriano. Riposa in pace. Resterai sempre nei nostri cuori. Cugini, Carlo e Natalina Greco

Posted by:
John Palmieri

Posted on:
Wednesday, April 7, 2021

Our deepest condolences, our thoughts and prayers are with the Spizzirri family during this time of sorrow. Jennifer & John Palmieri

Posted by:
Flavio DiBenedetto & Family

Posted on:
Wednesday, April 7, 2021

Zia Lina, Frank, Cristina , Eddy and the Spizzierri Family, We were saddened to hear about Zio Adriano’s passing. May the beautiful memories you have of Zio give you comfort during this difficult time. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. Sending our Deepest Condolences , Flavio, Emma, Philip & Lucas DiBenedetto Xoxo

Posted by:
Stacy Rago

Posted on:
Wednesday, April 7, 2021

Condolences to your family

Posted by:
Sabrina Greco

Posted on:
Wednesday, April 7, 2021

Remembering his wonderful and gentle soul. May he rest in peace.❤️ Sabrina, Angela and Serafino

Posted by:
Fernando Greco

Posted on:
Wednesday, April 7, 2021

Our deepest Condolences for the loss of our beloved cousin Adriano our thoughts and Prayers are with you Fernando, Anna and Family