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Michael LaMonica Obituary
Michael Joseph LaMonica Sr., 92, of Rockford, passed away December 26, 2019 surrounded by his loving family. Born in Chicago on November 24, 1927 the son of Joseph and Louise (Canova) LaMonica. Michael graduated from Austin High School in Chicago in 1945. Mike Sr. was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and served during WWII. On July 2, 1949 he married the love of his life, Marguerite (Sally) Hess in Chicago. Named Man of the Year, City of Hope, St Louis, 1989. Board member National Italian-American Sports Hall of Fame, Chicago, since 1986, National Italian-American Foundation, Washington, since 1987; past president, board member Variety Club of St. Louis, since 1980. United States Navy, 1946-1947. Board of Directors of Rockford Memorial Hospital and Board of Directors for Illinois Growth Enterprises for 10 years, serving as president. Mike was an avid golfer and past member at Edgewater Golf Club (Chicago), Hazeltine Country Club (Chelsea MN), Lakeside Country Club (Los Angeles, CA), Forest Hills Country Club (St. Louis, MO), Mauh-Nah-Tee-See Country Club (Rockford), and Mission Hills Country Club (Rancho Mirage, CA). His Anheuser Busch Inc. career began as a street salesman in Chicago in the 1950's and through hard work and exceptional talent rose to senior leadership of the National Anheuser Busch selling team. In the late 1970's – early 1981's, after achieving the position of Vice President of Sales, he began to envision owning a local Anheuser Busch distributorship, which is a dream for many AB employees. Combining his love of family, his love of the beer business and his love of the local community, LaMonica Beverages was formed in 1988. Beginning very small, the company quickly began to gain sales and market share and has successfully grown since. Under his leadership the company quickly doubled in size and has continued growth in recent years. Mike Sr.'s legacy includes his fairytale marriage to Sally of 70 years which was his guidance system. Also, his ability to start a family business and see it pass down generations was one of his greatest accomplishments. There are too many stories and chapters to even begin to mention in this tribute, but those will live on. He will be missed by those who loved him most, his adoring wife, Sally; children, Mike (Kathy) LaMonica Jr., Marjie (Larry) LaMonica-Malizio, Mitch (Kim) LaMonica, Rick (Jillian) LaMonica; grandchildren, Carly, M.J. (Anna), Jessie (Ryan), Shawn (Lara), Todd (Kristi), Lacee, Lindsey, Lexi, Matthew and Mason; great-grandchildren, Cole, Evan, Adelyn, Jack and Claire. He was predeceased in death by his parents and daughter, Maria Lynn LaMonica. Funeral Mass will be at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 30, 2019, with Franciscan Friars officiating, at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 1010 Ferguson Street. Visitation will be on Sunday, December 29, 2019 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory at 1860 S. Mulford Road from 4:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. Visitation will continue at church on Monday, December 30th from 10:00 a.m. until time of Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Alzheimer's Association or Special Olympics. To send online condolences or share memories please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael LaMonica
Sponsored by Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory LTD - Mulford Chapel.
Ed Coffman
January 24, 2020
So sorry for your loss Lamonica. family. I was so saddened by the news that I just found out and I missed the Service. Mike Sr was so respected in the Community and the Beer Business. I had the privilege of working with Mike Sr and Jr in early years of Lamonica Beverages. One memory I have of Mike Senior that I must share. I was a driver salesman for LaMonica beverages. It was a rainy Monday morning and my helper had called in sick. I was at Broadway tap delivering over 100 cases of loose cans. Mike Senior showed up in his white Odouls van, pulled out a handcart and started helping me deliver the beer. I thought to myself Wow this is the owner and he made a point to come out and help me on route. Mike Senior you were a legend in the beer business and when people think of LaMonica beverage is you will be their first thought. I always enjoyed seeing you in the market or even just hanging out down at CJs with your buddies Jim Colombi, Bob Parvin , John Patch listening to you guys cackle over your golf games. You grew the Anheuser-Busch of brands in the Rockford and surrounding areas so many customers had a whole lot of respect for you. You will be missed in your legend will live on.
December 31, 2019
Carl & Curt send their regrets that they were unable to attend the service. Sending condolences to the entire LaMonica family.
Carl Accardo
December 30, 2019
You will be missed, old golfing buddy. I enjoyed the times we spent together.
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Rebecca Gonzalez
December 30, 2019
Sending condolences to the entire Lamonica family and company as you grieve this wonderful man. He will be very missed. Very lucky to have known him.
Marie Muchin
December 29, 2019
I am sorry for your loss. Both my mother, Anna Muchin, and I send our condolences. Mike was a good guy. My mother often told various stories about Mike in his youth as she helped take care if him as a child. She was very proud of him.
Jack Hodge
December 29, 2019
My deepest sympathy to the family. I had the privilege of knowing and working with Mike years ago in St. Louis. He was a great leader, team builder and mentor. A terrific role model. Absolutely unselfish, honest and tenacious. I have so many fond memories of Mike and Sally. They had a huge influence on me and many others. I'm forever grateful for having had the opportunity to be Mike's friend. May he Rest In Peace.
Dean Ayers
December 29, 2019
My sincerest condolences to Mike's entire family. He lived a long and fruitful life. I knew and worked with Mike since 1974 and worked with Mike, Jr. too. He was a role model to me and many others.
Denny & Evie Johnson
December 29, 2019
A friend and supporter. Encourager. Mike will be missed in our community.
Steven Wallen
December 28, 2019
Very saddened by Mike's passing he was a great person had many good times while working at lamonica Beverages may God heal your family and look down upon you during this sad time very truly Rev. Steven Wallen
John Leggero
December 28, 2019
My Condolences to the LaMonica Family
Tony Fasula
December 27, 2019
My condolences to the family. He was a gentleman and an excellent businessman. It was a pleasure working under his leadership.
He will be missed by all.
Fondly,
Tony Fasula
Tony Fasula
December 27, 2019
My condolences to the family. He was a gentleman and an excellent businessman. It was a pleasure working under his leadership.
He will be missed by all.
Fondly,
Tony Fasula
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Memorial Events
for Michael LaMonica
Dec
29
Visitation
4:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory LTD - Mulford Chapel1860 South Mulford Rd, Rockford, IL 61108
Funeral services provided by:
Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory LTD - Mulford Chapel1860 South Mulford Rd, Rockford, IL 61108
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