Michael DiGioia Obituary

DiGioia, Michael (Archie)

Michael DiGioia, also widely known as Archie to family and friends, passed away on January 8th, 2023, after a brief illness. He was 86 years young.

Michael was born in Chicago on July 11, 1936. He was preceded in death by his parents Amatore and Rosa (nee Costanza), sisters Anne Zito and Violet Calarco, and brothers Nick and Frank. He is survived by his sister Madeleine, son Michael (Kahrin), and many nieces and nephews. He served in the Army from 1959 to 1961.

A lifelong Chicagoan, Archie worked as a bartender at some of the hottest nightclubs in Chicago during the 70s and 80s. Most famously, he worked at Faces on Rush Street, serving celebrities and sports figures that flocked to Chicago's lively Gold Coast neighborhood. Later, he worked at Ditka's and 59 West during the build up of Chicago's River North neighborhood.

As a child of Italian immigrants, Archie grew up in the richness of Italian American traditions. His childhood home on Ohio Street on the near west side was a favorite gathering place for family and friends. It's remembered for its summer gardens, extravagant Christmas decorations and the aromas of Rosa's delicious cooking.

Archie will be dearly missed by many and was known for his sense of humor, playfulness and being a fixture in his beloved near west neighborhood. To honor his memory, a Celebration of Life will take place on February 5, 2023. For details please visit:

www.michaeldigioia.com/archie/

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