Anthony "Mikey" J. Poletto

1924 - 2016

Anthony "Mickey" J. Poletto 1924—2016
Anthony "Mickey" J. Poletto, 92, of Rockford passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on Saturday afternoon, December 17, 2016 at Rockford Memorial Hospital after a brief illness. He was born on August 10, 1924 in Rockford, the son of Anthony and Rose (Marola) Poletto. He attended Saint Anthony Grade School where he enjoyed being an altar server and spending time with his South Rockford friends. Saint Thomas was where he went to high school and played softball, basketball, and football. He also participated in boxing. After high school he was very proud to serve in the U.S. Army Air Corps while attending the University of Nebraska. After serving in the military, he worked for the City of Rockford Water Department as a meter reader and inspector until his retirement in 1983. When he wasn't working, he enjoyed playing softball and was proud of the fact that he was a member of the Saint Mary's City Championship team in 1948 where he was the starting second baseman. Mickey married Virginia "Ginny" Koplos on June 21, 1952 at Saint Anthony's Catholic Church in Rockford. He was a member of Saint Anthony Parish and was a long-time member of the Venetian Club where he enjoyed his Sunday afternoons with all his buddies. He loved going with his wife to LaCrosse, WI, Las Vegas, and bus trips to gambling casinos and to see the Chicago Cubs. He enjoyed weekend trips with his friends to Hurley, WI, Notre Dame Football Games, and Chicago Bear Games. His friends became family and they were always together. Mickey was very devoted to his family and there was nothing he would not do for any of them – he was their rock. He never missed one basketball or softball game for his granddaughter where he was often heard giving advice. He loved visiting her at Purdue University where he would attend football games and let her know how proud he was of her. Mickey was also very proud of his Venetian Heritage and his South Rockford roots. He was a man of great character whose laugh and smile were contagious, enjoyed life to the fullest, and who would give you the world and expect nothing in return. He is survived by daughter and son-in-law, Denise and Tom Clendening, granddaughter and grandson-in-law, Bianca and Joe Sutherland, niece Lisa Nave, who was like a second daughter to him, sisters-in-law Evelyn Rebecca and Mary Holmquist, numerous nieces, nephews, and very dear friends. Predeceased by wife Virginia, brothers, Alex and John, 3 sisters, Rose Gayton, Angelina Opengo, and Theresa Grandelis. The family would like to express their gratitude to the entire staff of River Bluff Nursing Home, especially the Blue Jay Neighborhood and therapy department, for their outstanding care while Mickey was there for rehabilitation. Also, to Rockford Memorial Hospital for their compassion and care during his brief illness.
Funeral mass will be Friday, December 23, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. in St. Anthony Church with Franciscan Friars officiating. Interment to follow in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be in the church Friday morning from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family. Arrangements are with Gasparini & Oliveri Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 707 Marchesano Dr. Condolences to: www.gasparinioliverifuneral.net.