Pietro “Pete” Alfano

Pietro "Pete" Alfano, 91, of Ottawa passed away January 19, 2020, in St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria.
A Mass of Christian burial was at 10 a.m. Thursday in St. Columba Church in Ottawa, with the Rev. David M. Kipfer officiating. Entombment will follow in Valley Memorial Park, Spring Valley. Visitation was Wednesday with recitation of the rosary at 3:30 p.m. at the Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home.
Pietro was born Feb. 2, 1928, in Cinisi Sicily, Italy, a son of Procopio and Josephine (Vitale) Alfano. He married Phyllis Palazzolo on Jan. 24, 1951. Pete is survived by Phyllis, his wife of nearly 69 years; his children, Anthony (Debbie) Alfano, Joseph (Nicolina) Alfano, Sammy (Antonia) Alfano, Josephine (Pino) Catarinicchia, Lena (Frank) Mautino, Santina (Damiano) Mazzolo and Francesca (Sam) Vitale; a brother, Frank (Maria) Alfano; and many beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by a son, Peter Alfano; grandchildren, Richard Mautino, Chade and Leo Alfano; brothers, Joe and Sam Alfano; and a sister, Santina Alfano.
Pete came to America when he was 21 years old. He met his wife, Phyllis in Chicago. They were married and had eight children. Pete was a workaholic. His life of pizzerias was his drive and passion.
Rural Oaks was the best of times. He met so many friends there! We still hear all the stories! His family and friends were his life. His will, strength and courage throughout his life was unsurpassable!
Pallbearers will be Anthony, Joey, Sammy and Frank Alfano, Pietro Vitale and Pietro Mautino. Honorary pallbearers will be Frank and James Mautino; Pietro Joseph and Pietro Alfano; Pino, Alessio, Pietro and Salvatore Catarinicchia; and Sam and Santino Vitale.
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