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Eugene Fontanini Obituary
Eugene Oriano Fontanini has passed from this life on November 28, 2023 in Fort Lauderdale Florida surrounded by his loving family. Eugene was the beloved Father of Lisa, Joseph (Jossenka), Anthony, Gina (Claudio Sgobba) and Nicholas Fontanini and former husband to Rita Fontanini. Dear son of the late Oriano and Jennie Fontanini nee (Belluomini). Loving grandfather of Onalia, Minola, Livia, Vincent, Francesca, Oriano, and Dominic. A dear brother of JoAnne Fontanini (Darell Medley). Sincere uncle of Rita, Laura and Cara (Reid Swanson). Beloved cousin of Joy Belluomini, Rina (Lino) Pasquini. A dear friend and special colleague to many. Eugene was the CEO of Fontanini Italian Meats and an unforgettable icon in the food service and pizza industry throughout the United States. His unwavering dedication and passion to the food industry will never be forgotten. Eugene also received the Italian Man of the Year Award for Lucchesi nel Mondo, a Tuscan Club which connects Italians and Americans through culture, cuisine, and history in the Tuscan region. Eugene truly was " Una Bella Differenza". Visitation will take place on Friday December 8 from 3:00 pm until 9:00 pm at Cumberland Chapels 8300 W. Lawrence Ave. Norridge, Il. A procession will depart the funeral home on Saturday at 8:00 a.m. to pass by the Fontanini Plant in McCook before processing to St. Mary Church. Those wishing to partake are asked to meet at the funeral home at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday. Visitation will also be held on Saturday at 10:15 a.m. at St. Mary Church, Buffalo Grove, until time of Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. Entombment will follow at Maryhill Cemetery in Niles, Il. Info: 708-456-8300
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Memories and Condolences
for Eugene Fontanini
Sponsored by Chicago Sun-Times.
Susanne
December 10, 2024
I can't believe it has been a year since you left us. I think of you often. Rest in Peace Gene.
Christina Marti
May 26, 2024
I knew him from the East Bank Club , had no
Christina Marti
May 25, 2024
May he rest in paradise
Christina Romano
February 17, 2024
Rest in Peace Font! Going to miss our talks.
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Janie Noble Simon
January 22, 2024
I´m so sorry to find out that Gene passed away . My condolences to his family especially his daughter from England who had the pleasure of spending time with. Janie Noble Simon
MRL
December 22, 2023
My Prayers to Entire Fontanini family ,Wow..
.May you Rest in Eternal Peace and Power ..You came you conquer and you took care of your family .. YOU will be missed my friend..I KNOW your in Restaurant HEAVEN .Job well done
Thank you for being my friend Gene.
don
December 21, 2023
lost 2 great friends in 1 year jack donatello and geno i hope their playing a round of golf together i will join them later. thanks for the memories. don b the bar that was on narragansett chicago. God Bless
Joe B
December 19, 2023
Hi Joanne, Barbara and I are saddened to hear of Gene's passing. My thoughts and memories will last a lifetime. God bless you all. Joe Badolato (as Gene called me " Joey meat ball") Ciao
Don Castella
December 9, 2023
Many Afghanistan and Iraq war veterans enjoyed authentic Pizzas topped with sausage donated by Fontanini Italian Meats to Pizzas For Patriots. This very successful program shipped thousands of pizzas to troops in Afghanistan and Iraq. Pizzas For Patriots was one more example of Gene and Joanne Fontanini's timely generosity.
Donald R Castella
American Legion Department of Illinois
Phillip Bruckman
December 8, 2023
Tony , So sorry to hear of the loss of your father. Having known you and seeing what a gentleman and great father you are. I can only imagine that you got it from him God Bless. Sweet Carolina Phil
Angie vanaria
December 8, 2023
So sorry to read that Gino passed,he was a great guy,I used to arrange the travel plans for Fontanini meats,a great family for sure,he is now sitting at the table with his mom and dad Oriano in heaven,eating all his moms great recipes,rest in peace Gino,Joann n family,so sorry for your loss,stay strong,xo Angie vanaria...
Cary Miller
December 7, 2023
May Gene's memory be a blessing and inspiration to others. Gebe will be remembered and missed. He truly was an inspratiin to others and his competitors worst enemy because of the great quality he insisted on and his marketing brilliance. May you be comforted by the outpouring of love you are receiving. Your family, and of course Gene are in our thoughts and prayers.
With deepest sympathies and sending you wishes of love and comfort, Cary Miller, Food Industry News
Wendy
December 6, 2023
I´m speechless about this. Gene and I talked all the time. It breaks my heart. Heaven gained an angel. Gene was a special man to his family and friends. I´ll always cherish the memories we had, whether Ft. Laud or Chicago!! Thanks for always being SK!!!! You´re truly one of a kind!!!!
Kenny and Jo-Ann Rifkind
December 5, 2023
We are truly sorry for your loss. Gene was terrific friend to us and a wonderful boyfriend to our daughter Paige. May his memory be a blessing. JoAnn and Kenny Rifkind
The Staff of Cumberland Chapels
December 6, 2023
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Eugen Maris
December 5, 2023
I am terribly sorry to hear that Geen has passed away. I deeply mourn the sad demise of Geen.
I share my sorrow with his children and other members of bereaved family.
I pray that his soul may rest in peace.
My Deepest Sympathy.
Eugen Maris
John lynch
December 4, 2023
God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Marcello Petrini
December 4, 2023
Our family has a rich history of great experiences with Gene, not the least of which were our times in Las Vegas at the pizza show. It is so difficult to believe that he has passed! We last saw him in Italy during one of his visits to Lucca.
To his family, please know that even though we will be unable to attend services, we will be thinking and praying for you all from Italy.
Our Sincere Condolences,
Marcello Petrini and Family
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