Albert "Big Al" J. Caltagerone

Rockford,Il. Albert J. “Big Al”Caltagerone, 88 longtime resident of Rockford died Friday September 18, 2015 in St. Anne after injuries sustained from an automobile accident. Born April 2, 1927 in Rockford,Il. to Carlo and Paulina Caltagerone who came to Rockford from Italy. Albert worked many years in Rockford at Twin Disc and Gunites. He was a member of St. Bridget’s Catholic Church. He served his country in the Navy during WWII and in Korea and was a long time member of the VFW. His family, friends and neighbors enjoyed “Big Al” as the wonderful, friendly and fun person in the crowd. He loved his vacations, especially fishing trips in Canada and Wisconsin which he enjoyed with family and friends. He enjoyed holidays in California visiting friends/family and site-seeing. Of course, he cheered for the Cubs and the Chicago Bears. Al was the kind of guy that could connect to those around him as he was accepting of the people “as is”. He was outgoing and entered into conversations easily with strangers because of his openness and big smile. Although he was a big guy many thought of him as a big bear and really sweet. He will be missed.

Survivors: children of Albert and Josephine, Paula Schmidt and Roselie Caltagerone; children of Helen Tom Roth, Don Lewis, Mary Lynn Kanneberg; brother, Alfonso (Elizabeth) Caltagerone; numerous grandchildren; nieces and nephews.

Pre-deceased by wife Josephine Juliano Caltagerone and Helen Roth Lewis Caltagerone; brother, Peter Caltagerone; sisters, Antoinette Matranga, Josephine Cacioppi, Marguerite Purdy; daughter of Helen, Lois (Roth) Salinger.

Mass of Christian Burial: 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 23, at St. Bridgets Church 600 Clifford Ave. Loves Park, Il. Visitation: 9:00 a.m. until time of mass. Burial Sunset Memorial Gardens, Luncheon to follow at the Funeral Home. To express condolences, visit www.sunsetfhmemgardens.com