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BORN
1953
DIED
2020
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William Lalli Obituary
1953 - 2020
I am saddened to say that William "Willi" Lalli, age 67, the love of my life, my high school sweet heart and husband of 46 years, passed away on Sunday, July 12, 2020, after a 20-day battle with Covid 19, to be with God, the Angels, his parents, Alberico and Elena Lalli; brother, Michael Lalli; brothers-in-law, Ivo DiRienzo and Frank Policaro; one has to think that God must have needed a seven course meal cooked for Him. Thankfully my self and our son were able to hold his hand as he passed away. I ask everyone to please take this pandemic seriously and wear your masks. Willi did all those things but yet still contracted it. Every day is a blessing and tell your loved ones how much they mean to you. Survived by his loving wife, Lela (Policaro) Lalli; son, Nicholas; granddaughter, Cara Lalli; Cara's mother, Jessica; sisters, Clara DiRienzo, Vanda (Mike) Costantiello; brother, Robert; sisters-in-law, Nina (Mark) Inks, Joanna Policaro and Felicia (Nino) Loduca; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Willi began working at La Scala Restaurant in 1972, purchasing it in 2009, followed by purchasing Vittoria Restaurant in 2019. He was extremely proud of his Italian restaurants and dearly loved by his staff. He was a member of St. Brendan Parish, receiving all his sacraments from St. Christopher Parish. Willi's wish was NO flowers, but for those who wish, a donation in his name preferred to St. Jude, Make A Wish, Holy Family Soup Kitchen or Mid Ohio Food Bank. Funeral Mass, Thursday, July 16, 2020, at St. Christopher Catholic Church, 1420 Grandview Avenue, Columbus at 10a.m., with burial to follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Lockbourne. MASKS MUST BE WORN AT THE CHURCH. Celebration of Life service at a later date. Arrangements entrusted with the JOHN QUINT TREBONI FUNERAL HOME, 1177 West Fifth Avenue, Columbus.
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Memories and Condolences
for William Lalli
Sponsored by The Columbus Dispatch.
Zuni Alonso Corkerton
July 7, 2023
I hope the 3 years that have passed have helped to ease your pain though still missing Willi. Know that he is missed by many. My best to you.
Herb Byrns
October 25, 2020
My brother Rick told me this weekend about Willi's passing. Very sorry to hear this news. Saw willi about 6 years ago while visiting columbus. We all worked at la scala while at dublin HS. Working there was an education in itself. We all loved willi. I will never forget playing football in the parking lot before starting work. God bless willi...may he rest in peace.
Danielle Radcliff
August 23, 2020
My husband and I were married at LaScala's on 08/28/10. Our greatest memories and pictures from our wedding features and reflects on LaScala's. My husband and I visited several venus in Columbus Oh and surrounded vanities but the one we choose because it stood out the most was LaScala's. Our friends and family still talk about how beautiful our wedding & reception at LaScala's was. Many say that was the best wedding they have ever been to. It saddens me to have read the man that is responsible for every great memory of our special day has passed. To the family friends and all love ones you have my deepest condolences. May God bless you all.
Lisa Horsefield
August 16, 2020
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Jeff Huston drummer
July 29, 2020
Willie was amazing to work for, he loved music and Street players played at La Scala for five years. He made amazing food and created an awesome atmosphere. He will be missed. My condolences
Jeff Huston
July 29, 2020
illi was great to work for, he loved music and Streetplayers performed at La Scala for 5 years. He made amazing food and created an amazing atmosphere! He will be missed
Kara Johansen
July 20, 2020
Lela,
My heart is aching with you over the loss of your dear husband. He prepared the dinner for my wedding almost sixteen years ago, and that alone is a gift I will always treasure. I am sending you all my love and prayers for comfort for you and your whole family. God bless you.
Love,
Kara Johansen
Rose
July 18, 2020
Dearest Lela and Nick,
We are so sorry of the passing of Willi, he was such a sweet person, and always so cheerful. We loved having dinner at LaScalla and seeing Willi when we were there. Heaven definitely got an angel.. Bless you.
Curtis and Rose
Judith Kuck
July 18, 2020
Lela,
Please know you and your son, Nick are in my thoughts and prayers. I was so sorry to hear about your husband, Willie's death.You always spoke about him so fondly. Judy Kuck
Aleta Dodson
July 18, 2020
Lela, I am saddened to learn of your husband's passing. Hugs and prayers.
Randy Hayslip
July 18, 2020
Dear family and friends of Willi.
I met Willi and worked with him at La Scala in the early 1970s.
As I have traveled through life it became even more apparent what a great person he was.
He was a really good influence on me. He was fun to work with and we played some ball together as well.
Always a good time while at the same time doing things right.
Much love to all as you cope with his loss.
Randy Hayslip
Michele Thompson (Clinique customer)
July 18, 2020
Lela,
I am so very sorry to hear about the passing of your beloved husband. I cant begin to imagine the depth of your grief, but I will pray for Gods peace and strength for you in this most difficult time.
Teresa Linville
July 17, 2020
I am so sorry for your loss Lela
Mary Cat Sabatino
July 17, 2020
Dear Leila ,
So sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you and family.
Mary Cay
Donna Salvatore Frye
July 17, 2020
Lela, I was so sorry to hear of your beloved husband's untimely passing. I am a customer that you always helped me at clinique. You told me the story of Willi's knee replacement. I had mine done the same time he did. I always looked forward in hearing your stories about your husband and the restaurant. Those memories will always be close to your heart. You are in my thoughts. Donna Salvatore Frye, your clinique customer.
Cath Oswald Wilson
July 16, 2020
Nick and Family,
Sorry for the loss of your dad, Nick. May you find comfort when remembering all the great times.
ROSEMARY MASON
July 16, 2020
Im sorry to hear about his passing Lela. You were so very nice after my husband passed. LaScala was my husbands favorite restaurant. We had to visit every time we came back to Columbus. May God bless you and your family. Hugs and prayers.
Frank Casanta
July 16, 2020
My DEEPEST sympathy
Zuni A Corkerton
July 16, 2020
Dear Lela and Nick - I am so, so sorry to learn of Willi's passing. I have such fond childhood memories of him, and more recently we had reconnected through my son and were going to get together soon. I hold you both in prayer during this very sad time. May you feel God's loving embrace and peace. And yes, we will wear masks--in Willi's honor going forward. My deepest condolences, Lela and Nick.
Scott Penty
July 16, 2020
so sad about Willi's passing.I worked with Willi many years .I respected him so much and wanted to be like him. You taught me many things about being a good person how to work hard for the things you want to achieve. I will never forget you Willi
Tony Alfano
July 15, 2020
May Willi rest peacefully in the arms of The Lord. I only knew him a short time through Vittorias restaurant, but I knew him to be such a kind man. My dad passed away last night and he loves Italian food. Im sure they will strike up a friendship. My deepest sympathies to your family.
Mary Poeschel
July 15, 2020
Bob and Zane ~ My heart goes out to you and All your family!
I send you Peace and Love ❤
Francene Sheehan
July 15, 2020
Dear Lela & Nick, i was so sorry to hear of Willi's passing. Please accept my condolences. He was such a kind and sweet man. I have many memories from St. Andrew's from spaghetti dinners that Willi cooked to coaching the boys in baseball. H was one in a million.
Brian McCoy
July 15, 2020
Was saddened to hear of Willi's passing. I was a busboy at LaScala from 1983-1986 and have fond memories of Willi. Always jovial. We would talk about Ohio State football and listen to the games on the radio while in the kitchen on football Saturdays.
Was happy when Willi took over LaScala a some years ago. Always had a great meal.
My sincerest condolences to the family on their loss.
Anne Morgan
July 15, 2020
When I moved to Worthington in 1998 LaScala's quickly became my favorite Italian restaurant even to this day. Always a warm and inviting atmosphere. My deepest sympathies to the family. May God give all of you the strength of his love during this difficult time.
Judith Wyszynski Kuck
July 15, 2020
Lela, please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you for the beautiful words your shared about your husband.
Arlene (Royalty) Wilkinson
July 15, 2020
Lela and Nicholas,
Can't say how sad I was to hear of your loss. You and your family were always so kind and friendly. Years pass but memories still live. My prayers are with you.
Bob and Donna Santilli
July 15, 2020
Dear Lela,
We were so sad to hear about Willie as we remember his kindness whenever we had dinner at LaScala. Our thoughts and prayers are with you!
Eva Bigler
July 15, 2020
Dear Lela and family
So sorry for your loss of Willi. Prayers for you all, may you find some peace in the wonderful memories you have.
Eva Naumoff Bigler
Michael and Cynthia Sutherland
July 15, 2020
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Michael and Cynthia Sutherland
Cindy and Michael Sutherland
July 15, 2020
We are so sorry for yor loss. Willie was a dear friend during our LaScala days.
Marsha (Gross) Bare
July 15, 2020
Lela and family
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. I'm so sorry for your loss. You're my prayers.
Doreen Susi
July 14, 2020
ear Lela and family
My deepest condolences from AZ. I recall many dinners at La Scala when I was living in Ohio and have you all in my thoughts and prays.
Dave Rogers
July 14, 2020
Willie
Thank you for your kindness, understanding and guidance. I always wanted to say that to you but never had the courage. You changed my life for the better. I will never forget all those years I spent working at LaScala. Like Teresa said I imagine you Benny and Steve are cooking up something good together again.
Rest In Peace
Peter Barr
July 14, 2020
As Lela said, "every day is precious"...Willi spent many many days coaching his son Nick and our son Jason (as well as lots of other kids) when they were young. Willi taught the moral virtues of honesty, respect, sportsmanship and fairness...he was a great baseball coach but he was an even better example of a great role model. Our son, to this day, mentions his respect for Willi...rest in peace good friend...
Peter and Karen Barr
Marita Werner
July 14, 2020
Lela,
Im so sorry that you have lost the love of your life. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Marita Werner
Daffine
July 14, 2020
My condolences and praying for the family.
Mark and Pam Velten
July 14, 2020
We are sad to hear of the sudden passing of Willi
Although no words can ease the loss, know you're very close in our thoughts and prayers.
May the love of those around you help you through the days ahead.
Our deepest condolences to you and your family.
Mark and Pam Velten
Mark and Pam Velten
July 14, 2020
We are sad to hear of the sudden passing of Willi.
Although no words can ease the loss, know you're very close in our thoughts and prayers.
May the love of those around you help you through the days ahead.
Our deepest condolences to you and your family.
Mark and Pam Velten
Linda Montenaro Barlow
July 14, 2020
Clara and Wanda Im so sorry to hear about your brother. My prayers are with you. Linda Montenaro Barlow
Judy patacca
July 14, 2020
Dear Lela & family. Joe & I were so saddened and devastated to hear of Willies passing. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Nicolina Lazenby (Lalli)
July 14, 2020
Dear Lela and Family
Our deepest condolences on the passing of William. I remember seeing both of you when you used to come and visit my parents Mario and Adelaide Lalli. We were all deeply saddened to hear the news and hopefully one day soon we will be able to cross the border and come and give you all a hug.
MaryLynn Pierce
July 14, 2020
Over the years, five generations of my family have gathered at LaScalas to enjoy everyday get-togethers and special occasions. Thats how we met and got to know Willi.
He always made us feel welcome and went out of his way to spoil my mom, Joybell. That extra kindness endeared Willi to our family.
May your faith and friends help you through this difficult time. Please know Willi will be missed and remembered with fondness and prayers.
Michelle Snyder
July 14, 2020
The Snyder and Policaro Family in AZ sends our deepest sympathy to all the Family and Friends of Willi Lalli. Prayers to all. We will return for the celebration of his life. Love always! Michelle Policaro Snyder and Policaro Family.
jonathan frambes
July 14, 2020
your were a good man Willi. the life lessons i learned as a young man working in the back of Lascala with you, Benny, Tony are still with me today. be organized, be prepared, be ready it comes at you fast. those were the best years. so happy for you and your family taking over the business that we all loved so much. you were taken too soon with this tragic situation. i looked forward to seeing what you were going to do next. all my best to your lovely family. seeing the love in your eyes when they were around spoke volumes. seeing the proud father as little Nick visited you at work decades ago, heartwarming. Seeing Big Nick working with you on your restaurant, priceless. Willi will be missed, but he will always be a part of those he knew.
John and Shawn Karasarides
July 14, 2020
Dear Nick and family, we are so saddened by Willis passing. He was always so kind to us and a great host during our nearly weekly visits to Lascala & Vittoria. He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
John and Shawn Karasarides
July 14, 2020
Dear Nick and family, we are so saddened by Willis passing. He was always so kind to us and a great host during our nearly weekly visits to Lascala & Vittoria. He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dave Powers
July 14, 2020
So sorry for the loss of your father, Nick. Willi was such a nice man, and Im so glad to have met him! Thoughts, prayers, condolences and Blessings to you and your family during this trying time.
Rick Young
July 14, 2020
I am happy I got to spend my last meal out at my favorite restaurant for my birthday in March, I always feel like I'm with family at La Scala. I had the opportunity to start working at La Scala when I was 14, I worked there all through high school and even for some time after and several times in my adult life for extra money. Willi always ALWAYS was there and he was always so kind and so caring. Willi made everyone feel like family and loved to share his experience with you.
Diane musille dalenberg
July 14, 2020
Remember the family visiting my parents Mary castorano musille and Dominic musille . Clara and Vonda began attending the same school as I did and asking my mom to teach me a few Italian phrase so the girls and could speak with each other. These are my first memories of this sweet family . How far they had come from those days. God bless your family.
Louise. (Wezi) Masdea
July 14, 2020
To Lela and Nick, I am so very, very sorry for your tragic loss of Willi. I am heartbroken to lose such an amazing friend. My family and I loved going to LaScala and visiting with Willi every time we dined there. He always had a smile on his face. He is certainly going to be greatly missed by everyone.
Roger & Becki File
July 14, 2020
Lela,
We were devastated and saddened to hear of Willi's passing. He was a truly good man who was lucky enough to own your heart and have such a loving son. His life enriched so many through his passion for entertaining. Because of his hard work, many wonderful memories were made and life events celebrated.
The world will be less bright without him; he will be missed by many. You, Nick, Cara and your whole family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Teresa Toohey (Hollingshead)
July 14, 2020
To Lela and Nick, I am so sorry to hear about Willi. I have grown up going to LaScala and have tried to show my children where my dad worked and shared that experience with them, it is a part of me and will continue to be for years to come. We didn't make it on Easter this year, because of Covid, and now it will forever be changed, once again. My heart goes out to you. I like to think that dad, Benny and Willi are together up there telling a bunch of stories, laughing and cooking up one heck of a meal.
Mary Kelleher
July 14, 2020
Dear Lela and family, I am so very sorry for your loss. Please know there are many prayers for all of you. God bless you . May Willis soul Rest In Peace. Love Mary Kelleher and family
Brenda Thomas
July 14, 2020
My ❤ breaks for you & the restaurant family. My deepest condolences & prayers go out to you. Brenda T customer
Cynthia Westover Orts
July 13, 2020
I am grateful to have called Willie family. We are grateful to have counted him as a friend over the years and wish the family peace and healing in the days to come. Cindy and Scott
Vikki Ellis
July 13, 2020
Dear Nick and family. i am sorry to hear about your dad passing away and he was a nice dad grandfather and everybody like him at lascsala and he like to talked to people and do things with his family so let me know if you guys need anything just let me know and he will be missed and rest in peace willie.
Becky Hebb
July 13, 2020
Bob, Zane and family.....We are so very sorry for your loss....You are in our thoughts and prayers.... Becky Hebb and Lois Westover
John Spinelli
July 13, 2020
Lela, Nicholas, Cara and the Lalli family,
My deepest condolences to all of you. May God give you peace in your hearts during this time of grieving of the passing of Willie. My thoughts and prayers will always be with Willie.
John Spinelli
July 13, 2020
Lela, Nicholas, Cara and family,
My deepest condolences to all of you. May God give you peace in your hearts during this time of grieving of the passing of Willie. My thoughts and prayers of Willie were and will always be in my heart.
Lela Mitchell
July 13, 2020
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Dennis Wieland
July 13, 2020
I worked with Willi for almost 20 years and he always was upbeat with a kind word for everyone. Loved hearing his stories about Benny and the early days of LaScala. Willi, Im going to miss you my friend and look forward to seeing you again. If you run into my dad hell talk Indians with you all you want.
Diane Donato
July 13, 2020
We all loved Willi so much. We looked forward to our visit with him every Christmas Eve at La Scala. And he was such a good and loving man to my children, Megan and Jaime and their children. I'm very sorry for your loss and for everyone who loved him.
- "That is may please you to grant him a place of refreshment and everlasting blessedness." - The Book of Common Prayer
Kim Bergmann Elkovitch
July 13, 2020
Lela, I am so very sorry to hear about Willis battle with Covid-19...I saw him last summer at a family dinner at our long time favorite restaurant, LaScala. Willi came over to our table..such a great great guy..I remember our time at Ogleby and how you always were such a loving precious couple..my heart breaks for you, your son, grand-daughter and the rest of the family..years ago at Lazarus I remember you saying that Willi dreamed of owning a restaurant..his dream came true with his 2 restaurants and most important that beautiful family...for reasons unknown his Heavenly Father felt Willis work here on earth was done and called him home...please know that Jim and I are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers, Kim (Bergmann) and Jim Elkovitch
Connie Haag & Steve Redd
July 13, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
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