He was the loving husband to Anna Alfano; Father of Julie Jamie and Luigi (Anna) Alfano; Grandfather to Christina (Matthew) Kantro, Gerardo (Ninamarie) Alfano, Sarah (Dario) Marotta, Salvatore (Alexandra) Alfano and William Jamie; Great Grandfather to Eliana Rose Alfano and James Matthew Kantro.
A retired barber of 45 years, Gerardo was experienced and knowledgeable in his craft with a precise attention to detail. He had many loyal clients throughout his successful career in downtown Chicago, and was entrusted to cut the hair of Chicago mayors Richard J. Daley and Richard M. Daley during their tenures. Of all his loyal clients, his most cherished were his beloved family; his brother, his son, his grandsons, and his great-grandson, who would visit him regularly for haircuts in his home barbershop.
Gerardo was also an avid and highly-skilled gardener. He maintained an impressive garden in his backyard, where he grew everything from tomatoes to Italian cucuzza squash. His spring and summer days were spent tending to his garden before heading to his children’s and grandchildren’s homes to maintain theirs. His work ethic and strength surpassed that of his entire family.
Gerardo found great joy in the simple things in life. He loved Garrett’s popcorn, The Three Stooges, sunny days, and home-cooked meals prepared by his wife. But by far, his greatest joy in life was being surrounded by his family. He was adored by anyone who crossed paths with him and will forever be regarded as the backbone of his family. His strength, kindness, determination, and love for his family is something to be admired by all, and will live on through his loved ones for generations to come.
Visitation will be Thursday, September 6th, 3-9pm at Oehler Funeral Home, 2099 Miner St. (corner of Northwest Hwy/Rt14 and Rand Rd) Des Plaines. Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Ransom at 11:30am September 7th. Entombment to follow at Maryhill Cemetery. For information please call 847-824-5155 or visit www.oehlerfuneralhome.com
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