Alfonso Mera Obituary

ALFONSO P. 'AL' MERA, 88 devoted husband, father and grandfather ROCKFORD - Alfonso P. "Al" Mera, 88, of Rockford died Saturday, Nov. 24, 2012, in Rockford Memorial Hospital, following a long struggle with Guillain Barre Syndrome. Born July 8, 1924, in Rockford, son of Salvatore and Anna Turiciano Mera. Graduated from East High School in 1943. Veteran of the U.S. Army where he served in North Africa and Italy with the 91st Infantry Division. He was the recipient of three Bronze Stars. Married Katherine Pantaleo in St. Anthony of Padua Church on July 10, 1948. Started his career with the U.S. Postal Service as part-time clerk in December 1945, and retired as director of labor and employee relations 42 years later on Jan. 2, 1986. He was a 4th Degree Knights of Columbus member and a member of the Honor Guard. He was an active member of the YMCA Retired Men's Club, and the National Association of Active and Retired Federal Employees. Al was a fun loving man who was a die-hard Cubs, Bears and Bulls fan. He and Katherine loved to travel and had shared many trips together. He was a wonderful gardener, always sharing his bounty with neighbors and friends, and he was a great Italian cook as well. Making hundreds of Italian Christmas cookies every year and cooking a spaghetti dinner from scratch for the YMCA Retired Men's Club for many years were just some of the ways he volunteered his time and talents with others. He was a loving family man and caregiver whose greatest joy was spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchild. The family would like to give a special thank you to Jurga and Zack for the comfort and help they provided Al, and they also extend gratitude to the dedicated therapists and caregivers who believed in Al and gave him encouragement during the past 14 months. Survivors include daughters, Ann (Keith) Sword of Rockford and Mary (Bob) Starnes of Wauwautosa, Wis.; grandchildren, Amy Sword, Jenny Swanson, Brady Starnes and Meredith Starnes; great-granddaughter, Gabrielle Swanson; brother-in-law, Frank Pantaleo; nieces and nephews, Josephine Caiozzo, Sal Caiozzo, Tom Varisco, Sue Varisco, Pat Houser and Barb Montenero. Predeceased by his wife on Sept. 11, 2006; parents; sisters, Mary Caiozzo and Josephine Varisco; brother, Pasquale Mera; sisters-in-law, Josephine Mera and Frances Pantaleo; brother-in-law, Vince Caiozzo; and nephew, Joe Caiozzo. Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 29, in St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, with the Franciscan Friars officiating. Burial in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 28, in Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Riverside Chapel, 3910 N. Rockton Ave., with a rosary recited at 7:30 p.m. Visitation also from 9 to 9:45 a.m. Thursday at the church. Memorials may be made to the family. Express condolences and share memories at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.

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Published by Rockford Register Star from Nov. 27 to Nov. 28, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Alfonso Mera

8 Entries

Cathy Johnson

December 1, 2012

Al was a very kind and giving person. I have fond memories of him helping the neighborhood youth program at Friends' House that was on Avon Street in Rockford in the 1990's, with a live Christmas tree for the house at the holidays. His granddaughter Amy worked at Friends' House, and she sometimes recruited him and other family members to help out with projects. They were all wonderful. Al also taught us a lot about basil in the community garden. My condolences to the family.

November 30, 2012

Ann: As we do not receive the newspaper, I was shocked and saddened to hear about your dad. He was so kind to befriend me, and my husband, while I was in Re-Hab at Wesley Willows. We will always be grateful for the time spent with him during various meals. He really appreciated it when my husband brought him the St. Anthony church Sunday bulletins. His pain is over but his rewards will start now after all the good things he did. Sincerely, Donna Tartaglia

November 28, 2012

To one of America's greatest generation:
Al was a good man, neighbor and friend.
He always looked after my mom following
the deaths of my father and later, my stepfather. I always tried to get together with Al whenever I was in Rockford. He was a kind and solid citizen who cared for his wife during her long illness. God holds a special place for Al.
We have many fond memories and always
considered him as a part of our family.
Our condolences go to his loving family during this difficult time.
May God bless all of you.
Love,
Bruce & Vickie Myers & Family
Bettendorf, Iowa

Lynn Schemel

November 27, 2012

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

I am so saddened to learn of Al's passing. Al was a guest on our inaugural VetsRoll trip to Washington, DC in May of 2010 and became an ambassador for

Mark Finnegan

November 27, 2012

Brian Jenkins Leggero

November 27, 2012

My heart and prayers go out to the entire Mera family and all of Al's friends. Al was such a great guy. I've known Al my entire life and he would always be there to answer a question or give advice. I will miss him too. Rest in eternal peace Al!

Barbara Seaworth

November 27, 2012

I met Al while visiting my mother at River Bluff Nursing home, he was visiting his sister, Jo. Both he and Jo were very kind, sweet, and friendly people. Jo always had a smile for me and Al loved to talk about sports. May they both rest in peace knowing they both lived long and happy lives.

Curt Schiavo

November 27, 2012

Very sorry to hear of Al's passing. I was his lawncare guy. I have many fond memories of him coming outside to point out those weeds. He loved giving me a hard time in fun. I actually got him on my machine a few years back and told him to "have at it!" He did it no problem. I will miss you Al. Curt, Summer's Turf Lawn Care.

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