Pasquale Innamorato

Pasquale was born on April 11, 1929 in Mola di Bari Italy to Giovanni and Anna (nee Pinto) Innamorato.

He was the eldest of seven siblings and came from an honorable family with strong roots. Mola is a place where everyone knows his name. His grandfather, Vito Pinto, was the Mayor of Mola di Bari and his Nonna was given the respect of being addressed as “Donna” Bettina. Their siblings, my father’s zio Peppino, was respected as one of Italy’s top professors, and his zio Vito, was recognized as one of the top Soccer International Referee’s whom is commemorated annually in Rome and Mola. Pasquale’s great uncles, zio Pasquale Pinto was a judge and zio Dr. Francesco Pinto built a hospital foundation for the orphanage.

Pasquale was a strong and independent spirit and lived a full life. His father was hard on him and planned for him to follow in his footsteps as a barber and run the town shop, but that was not the destiny he envisioned. At the age of 18, he left his hometown of Mola and traveled to France to seek employment. Once he accomplished this, the very first mission he did was send a check home. It was his way to always help others especially his family. Even as a young boy, he managed to figure out how to contribute to the family by moving cigarettes on the black market to help the family during hard times of war.

After spending three years in France he returned to Italy to serve his country and acquired the status of sergeant in the Italian army. From there he traveled the world with Rotterdam Lloyd as a merchant marine. He had many great stories of his life experiences and was bilingual and fluent in Italian, French, and English.

Pasquale came to the states and had a family. He attained dual citizenship. He was employed with Beardsley & Piper and directed imports and exports to all parts of the world. The big bosses and everyone relied on his experience and expertise. They respectfully referred to him as Mr. Pat. He received much satisfaction and retired after 30 years of employment.

Pasquale enjoyed spending time with his family and friends most of all. He always said his family and kids were “The Best”. He was very proud. His hobbies were playing cards. He was a member of the Italian Club of Mola di Bari - Associazione XX Settemere and in the states spent time at the Italian clubs in Chicago (Palese Café and Societa Maria SS Addolorata di Mola). He also enjoyed music, food, dancing, boxing, soccer and gardening. His nephew mentioned just like Sinatra song “My Way”, zio Pasquale did it his way and he will be remembered by all that knew him.

Pasquale was preceded in death by his parents, Giovanni and Anna (nee) Pinto Innamorato, his sister Angela Innamorato Palgiara, his brother Vito Innamorato and his brother Pietro Innamorato.

Services will be held on Tuesday, May 30 at:

St. Edna Catholic Church

2525 N. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights

Visitation there will be from 8:30am - 10:00 am followed by Mass at 10:00am.

Procession to follow to: All Saints Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation In Pasquale’s name to: Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, The National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, 9480 North De Mazenod Drive, Belleville, IL 62223-1160, Phone: 1-888-330-6264, Website: oblatesusa.org