Ernest Albert Leombruni

Ernest Leombruni, age 76 went home to be with his Lord and Savior on November 17, 2023, surrounded by his loving family.

He is survived by his wife Domenica (Mimi) DiSparte Leombruni, his sons Anthony (Lyn) Leombruni, Robert (Dana) Leombruni, daughter Lisa (Scott) Collins, grandchildren: Marco, Dominic, Gabriel, Alexandra, Samantha and Annamaria Leombruni, sisters Piera (Norman) Sagon, Annette (Steve) Jones, niece Erica (Jeff) Wuslich, nephew Nathan (Emily) Sagon, great nephews Benjamin and Henry Wuslich and Vincent Sagon, and great niece Gianna Sagon.

Pre-deceased by his son Marco Leombruni and parents Albert and Pia Leombruni

Ernie was born in Rome, Italy on February 22, 1947. At the age of seven he and his mother Pia arrived on Ellis Island, New York in 1954 following in the footsteps of his Father Albert. He grew up in the Italian community of South Rockford. Ernie attended St. Anthony of Padua Church and served as Alter Boy for most of his youth. He graduated from Boylan Catholic High School and attended Rock Valley College.

In November of 1966 he began a courtship with Mimi DiSparte, and they married in May of 1968. Their courtship lasted over 56 years.

Ernie worked in the food industry during and after High School and College and made it his career. He and Mimi opened their first store in 1972, Leombruni's Italian Delicatessen. By this time, they were also the proud parents of two boys, Marco and Anthony, and their third son Robert was on the way. In May of 1974 they opened their first restaurant in Byron Illinois, Leombruni's Italian Village, and continued to operate it with the help of his family for forty-two years. In 1974 they also welcomed their fourth child Lisa. It was a very busy lifestyle and it proved to be a time to nurture lifelong friendships and to welcome customers who became an integral part of the Leombruni family. All were welcomed at the Leombruni table, especially during the holidays.

There was much joy and laughter for many years. In 1992 Ernie and Mimi lost their business due to a fire. Friends and family helped them rebuild the restaurant and it reopened in the Spring of 1993. A new adventure began as in all that is physical can be replaced,

The loss of Ernie is a never-ending pain that is felt every day. Only the love of our Savior Jesus can and has sustained us through difficult times and our faith in Him can help us for the remaining time we have on earth until we are rejoicing with our loved ones in Paradise.

On Sunday, May 5, 2024, a Celebration of Life will be held at the Prairie View Golf Pavilion, 6734 German Church Road, Byron, Illinois. The Celebration begins with an opening prayer at 1:00 P.M. followed by a luncheon and fellowship. Memorials may be given to the family.