Anthony Cafazza
Wood River |
Anthony J. "Tony" Cafazza, 79, a lifetime Wood River resident, passed away at 2:19am on Friday, February 24, 2012, at Meridian Village in Glen Carbon with his loving family by his side. He was born on January 7, 1933, in Wood River, Illinois the son of the late John B. and Jennie (Denaro) Cafazza. He married the former Donna L. Chapman on November 26, 1955, in East Alton and she preceded him in death on April 19, 2010. Survivors include four daughters and sons in law: Gina and Kevin Branch of Wood River, Chris and Jeff Case of Wood River, Lisa and Dan Soliday of Bloomington, Illinois, Laurie and Mark St. Peters of Wood River, one son and daughter in law: John and Missy Cafazza of Bethalto, thirteen grandchildren, six great grandchildren, one sister: Roseann Stice of Bethalto, a sister in law and brother in law: Carol and Howard Heffner of Roxana, and several nieces and nephews.
He was formerly employed as a supervisor in the asphalt and lubricants division at Shell Oil for 37 years prior to his retirement in 1993. He was a member of the Wood River VFW Post 2859 , the Wood River American Legion, and the Wood River Moose Lodge # 1359. He was a city councilman for the City of Wood River for eight years where he championed several improvements for the residents and city employees of Wood River. He was a member of Holy Angels Parish in Wood River. He was a veteran of the United States Army serving during the Korean War.
One of Tony's greatest joys in life was relishing time with his family. He loved family get togethers and traveling to St. Pete Beach, Florida with his family and friends. He was a devout Cardinals baseball fan and had the good fortune in his 79 years to see 9 of 11 World Championships.
In celebration of his life, visitation will be from 1pm to 7pm on Sunday, February 26, 2012, at Pitchford Funeral Home in Wood River with a prayer service at 12:45pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10am on Monday, February 27, 2012, at Holy Angels Parish in Wood River. Fr. James Flach will be the celebrant. Burial will follow at Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto with full military rites by the Ritual Team of VFW Post 1308 of Alton.
Memorials are suggested to the American Diabetes Association or to IMPACT of Alton which serves people with disabilities.
Online guestbook available at www.pitchfordfuneralhome.com
Pitchford Funeral Home
