Angelo Zera

1927 - 2017

Angelo Zera obituary, 1927-2017, Palatine, IL

BORN

1927

DIED

2017

FUNERAL HOME

Ahlgrim Family Funeral Homes

201 North Northwest Highway

Palatine, Illinois

Angelo Zera Obituary

Zera, Angelo Dominic On May 20, 2017, 90 year old Angelo Dominic Zera passed away peacefully at 10:45 a.m. at the Illinois Veteran Home in Manteno, Illinois. He was born on March 31, 1927 in Evanston, Illinois to Alexander and Mary (Comforti) Zera. During the summer of 1942 he pitched batting practice for the Chicago Cubs.The Cubs were one of the true loves of his life and he was happy to live long enough to celebrate their World Series win. Angelo was a gifted athlete in his younger years and an avid sports fan all his life, a passion he shared with all his children. He proudly served his country in the Navy from December 1944 to July 1946 as a Ships' Cook Third Class on the destroyer escort USS Howard F. Clark. The Clark saw combat in the South Pacific.He was awarded a WWII Victory Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal and an American Area Campaign Medal. Angelo was a member of the Class of 1946 at St. George High School in Evanston, Illinois. His graduation was delayed for over six decades because of his patriotic service in WWII. Due to the kind assistance of his brother Phil and the St. George Alumni Association, he was awarded his diploma in 2013, an event that made him extremely proud. Upon his discharge he signed a professional minor league baseball contract with the Boston Red Sox.He played one year in the Georgia-Florida League. When he returned to Illinois he started his road construction career, which lasted 41 years. He rose to the position of superintendent at several companies and was very proud of his role in several projects including construction of the Edens Expressway. His dedicated work ethic was noted by all. He and Blanche Catherine Schmitt married on August 28, 1948 and they shared 43 years together until her passing in 1991.In 1954 he and Blanche moved to Lincolnwood, Illinois where he continued to live until 2004. To be closer to his children, he moved to Palatine, Illinois in 2004. He was preceded in death by his parents and stepmother Julia Zera; his wife, Blanche and sister, Anna Mae Mumich. He is survived by his 5 children, Greg, Frank (Elizabeth), Cathy (Jim) McCabe, Larry (Connie), Rick (Fran); 10 grandchildren, Lisa, Gina, Alan, Dan, Jerry, Becky, Shannon, Jenna, Kate, and Brett; 14 great-grandchildren, John, Kyle, Jeffrey, Giuliana, Ellie, Sam, Hunter, Camden, Ryker, Kaleb, Connor, Chaniya, Martin, and Charlotte; brothers, Alex,Phil; sister, Angie Allen, and numerous nephews and nieces. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 17, 2017 at The Ahlgrim Family Funeral Home, 201 N. Northwest Hwy, Palatine Illinois, 60067, 847-358-7411. Visitation is from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., with a memorial service and family and friend remembrances from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Interment will be private. Those wishing to make donations are asked to consider the Ovarian Cancer Society or the Illinois Veterans Home in Manteno, Illinois.



Published by Chicago Sun-Times from May 28 to Jun. 11, 2017.
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Just reminiscing yesterday of Uncle Angie sure miss a family that's passed.

Beth Panten

May 22, 2020

I have very fond memories of Uncle Angie and Aunt Blanche. We visited them often when we were children. I loved them very much. Fond memories of my cousins also.
So glad you were all in our lives.

Nancy Sanaghan

Family

May 29, 2018

Our love and prayers are with you Greg and your family

Dennis

Friend

June 12, 2017

Condolences on the loss of your dad. I have many memories of the Chicago cousins visiting us on the farm. I remember visiting Aunt Blanche and Uncle Angie and he was so proud of his flowers they had the prettiest yard on the block. Love to all, Jim and Beth (Peterson) Panten

Beth Panten

June 12, 2017

Shipmate: Rest in Peace.....

Fair Winds and Following Seas

AZ USN

June 11, 2017

My deepest condolences Greg.

June 2, 2017

I am deeply sorry for the loss of Angelo. May God's loving kindness bring peace and comfort during this sad and difficult time. Psalms 29:11

Ann

May 30, 2017

Condolences to my cousins, Greg, Frank, Cathy, Larry and Rick. I have many wonderful memories of visiting you in Lincolnwood. Your mom was a kind and loving Aunt. A best friend and beloved sister to my mother. Your Dad a very strong "Uncle" figure to me. Outspoken and lots of fun. So accomplished. What a life they had together! I am blessed to be a small part of it. We will miss Angie. No doubt, he is enjoying peace and being reunited with Blanche.
Your cousin in Tucson - Nancy - come visit us. You'll love Arizona! (It's a dry heat)

Nancy Sanaghan

May 28, 2017

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Memorial Events
for Angelo Zera

Jun

17

Visitation

2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Ahlgrim Family Funeral Homes

201 North Northwest Highway, Palatine, IL 60067-5359

Jun

17

Memorial service

4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

IL

Funeral services provided by:

Ahlgrim Family Funeral Homes

201 North Northwest Highway, Palatine, IL 60067-5359

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