Pietro "Pete" Alfano

Pietro “Pete” Alfano, age 91, of Ottawa, passed away Sunday, January 19, 2020 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, January 23rd at St. Columba Church in Ottawa, with the Reverend David M. Kipfer officiating.  Entombment will follow in Valley Memorial Park, Spring Valley.  Visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday with recitation of the Rosary at 3:30 p.m. at the Gladfeleter-Roetker Funeral Home.  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.

Pietro was born February 2, 1928 in Cinisi Sicily Italy, a son of Procopio and Josephine (Vitale) Alfano.  He married Phyllis Palazzolo January 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, Illinois.  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!