Michele "Mike" Sanguedolce

Michele “Mike” Sanguedolce, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, surrounded by family. Born on March 3, 1928, in Sala province of Caserta, Italy, to Tommaso and Domenica (Capasso) Sanguedolce, Mike lived a long and rich life defined by devotion to family, hard work, and a joyful spirit that touched all who knew him.

Mike was one of eight siblings. He is preceded in death by his beloved sisters Riccardina Sanguedolce, Lina Fusari, Lucia (Lucy) Baysinger, Concetta (Tina) Gingotti, and his brother Giovanni (John) Sanguedolce. He is survived by his dear sisters Maria Iannucci (Domenico) and Rita Burgener.

Mike was the devoted husband of Antonietta (Morelli) Sanguedolce. Their extraordinary love story began in their youth and blossomed over 75 years together, including 64+ years of marriage. Together they built a beautiful life and raised three children:

• Domenica Weir (Joseph) and their sons Michael (Christina), Anthony, and David.

• Tommaso (Tom) Sanguedolce (Jody Coots) and his children: Alysia Atwood (Nick) and son Conner, Samuel Sanguedolce (Allyson) and sons Sylvester and Simon, Morgan Woll (Chris), Antonietta (Nia) Sanguedolce, and step children Lexy, Desiray, Kaley and Prestyn Meyer.

• Antonio (Tony) Sanguedolce (Gloria) and their daughters Elena Adams (Stephen) and daughter Amelia, and Sophia Sanguedolce.

Mike began his working life in Italy at Saint-Gobain in Caserta, spending a decade in glass manufacturing. After immigrating to the United States in 1969, he worked in various jobs including Cornick Concrete and Borden Dairy in Pekin, IL, where he was known for bringing home free milk and juice for his kids.

In 1971, Mike began working at Vince’s Pizza in Pekin, IL, under the mentorship of Vincenzo “Vince” Evola, who, along with his wife Guiseppina (Josi), became lifelong friends. With their encouragement, Mike followed his dream of opening his own restaurant. In 1973, Michele’s Pizza opened in Havana, IL at the former “Jumps 136 Café”. Relocating in 1976 one block East to its current location. Michele’s Pizza became a cherished local institution. For decades, Mike served not just pizza, but warmth, hospitality, and unwavering support for the Havana community—especially the high school sports teams (Go Ducks!), often feeding athletes after games. He was a proud member of the Havana Rotary and a community supporter.

Mike’s life was shaped by remarkable resilience. As a boy, he lived through the challenges of WWII and worked for the American military during their occupation of Italy. His stories of wartime adventure and post-war recovery were legendary within his family. He worked throughout Italy, including at the Leaning Tower of Pisa, before moving to the U.S. in 1969 and eventually settling in Havana in 1974.

He was a man of many passions: a fierce billiards and ping pong competitor, a harmonica player, a spirited singer—especially of opera and Neapolitan songs—and a storyteller with a sharp wit and a generous heart. He loved to make people laugh, and he couldn’t bear to see anyone sad. Above all, he loved deeply and without reservation. He was generous, thoughtful, forgiving, and kind.

In 2014, Mike and Antonietta moved to Springfield, IL. He loved to winter in Houston, TX, with his daughter and son-in-law, where he continued to share his stories, music, and warmth with all around him.

Mike leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, resilience, and community—a life fully lived and beautifully shared.

Visitation and Mass of Christian Burial: Family will receive friends from 2:00 to 3:45 p.m. on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church, 700 E. Spruce St., Chatham, followed by the Mass at 4:00 p.m. with Rev. Joseph Molloy, celebrant.

Burial: 10:00 a.m. on Friday, June 13, 2025, at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Pekin, IL.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made either to St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church (Chatham) or Springfield First Church of the Nazarene.

The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home – Chatham, 8855 State Route 4, Chatham.