My speech at Italian Hall of Fame banquet, in presenting Maria's Cafe with an award....today, in memory of Johnny Cason. RIP. I can't believe that are gone! Too Soon! I am humbled by the honor of introducing a Rockford institution – Maria's Café. It is hard to articulate what Maria's meant to the Italian community, to Rockford and even to me and my husband as neighbors. Maria's was a cultural icon and as Dave and I endeavor to help preserve the heritage of its south Rockford home, we made sure to snowplow the entire block and plant flowers outside the restaurant (to, as my non-native Rockfordian husband would state "make it look nice for Maria's"). We happily promoted it to the media, out-of-town visitors and new City residents and officials. Having five generations of family on Cunningham Street, the restaurant was important to us, employing my aunts and cousins and friends, attracting neighborhood foot traffic who strolled by our house and patrons from throughout the region. Maria's was loyal to its staff, employing people for decades and even generations of families. To the Italians, Maria's reminded them of the "old country" and its charm and generations later, of the old neighborhood they fondly recalled. To the non-Italians, dining at Maria's was a chance to feel Italian for the night and share in our cultures' great food, liveliness and hospitality. Warm and cozy, friendly and loud, unassuming and down-home– the atmosphere and great food made people happy. They were famous for their steaks and fiesta dinners. And what authenticity! Where else are patrons freely allowed in a restaurants' kitchen or side door? Maria's felt like home and the warmth of the Cason family made everyone feel like family. It was Rockford's version of "Cheers" and you would always see someone you knew or were related to. For years, it was THE place to go for special occasions or the start of a new weekend or new idea. The list of who's who that frequented Maria's was legendary and included notables such as President George Bush, Guy Lombardo, Red Skelton, Governor Thompson, Ernie Banks, Gene Krupa, Stan Kenton, Alice Cooper, Billy Williams, Fergie Jenkins, Chicago Bears, Bulls, Cubs and Sox, Illinois legislators, City alderman, captains of industry, prominent business people and professional people. Not long ago, Cheap Trick's Rick Nielson proclaimed it to be his favorite restaurant in the Register Star. I recall living in Springfield and my late friend who was Governor Thompson's top aide telling me in no uncertain terms that there was simply was no other place that Illinois politicians would consider dining while visiting Rockford. He helped start Farm Aid with Willie Nelson and I think Willie probably ate there too. Zeke Giorgi even waited tables there before he got into politics and always had a standing reservation. In addition to the food, fun and family, Maria's was legendary for its charitable work and generosity to so many local organizations. Sponsorships, gift certificates, donations – this too was part of Maria's special legacy. Its ties to St. Anthony Church and support of local St. Joseph Altars, St. Judes Hospital and the Special Olympics were strong. It hosted benefits for people, and helped Catholic schools and contributed to class reunions. Important meetings and special occasions happened at Maria's. The national organization Viet Now, which is so deservedly also honored here tonight started right there at the Café, which became its home base. Thriving for 90 years, no one ever left Maria's hungry. So how did this Rockford legend begin and what is its story that we honor here tonight? In 1913 Tissiano (Tiss) and Maria Dal Cason started a grocery store at Corbin and Cunningham Streets. Maria cooked for customers in the back. In 1940, they sold the store (later owned by the DeCastris and Segalla families) and moved across the street to 828 Cunningham Street. At that time, the east addition (the big dining room) did not yet exist. That was added in 1962. After Maria's death in 1959, sons Jake and Tony took over the business. Jake married Carmella in 1946 and lived across the street from the restaurant and Tony married Peggy and lived on Cunningham. Carm and Jake ran the restaurant with panache, he in a white tee-shirt with a towel over his shoulder and black checkered pants. Tony developed the frozen foods business. Jake was elected in 1952 as the Alderman of the 5th Ward on the Republican ticket and held that seat for many years. Best childhood friends from the neighborhood with Democrat Zeke Giorgi, Jake and he kept South Rockford in good hands. In 1993, when Jake died, Carm took over co-ownership. A few years later Carmella became the sole owner of Maria's café and pizza business. When Carm died in 2012, their sons Joseph and John continued this Rockford tradition. Daughter Maria helped out from time to time as well. Holding the oldest liquor license in the City of Rockford, the news that it was closing on New Year's Eve 2013 sent shock waves throughout Rockford. People frantically tried to get reservations one last time. The whole City mourned the news. The media was aghast and ever-present. Menus began disappearing and had to be reprinted. On the menu, Jake Cason summed up Maria's legacy with these words: After all is said and done, really, can there be anything more beautiful, more enjoyable, more memorable than good food, good wine, good conversation with family and friends? – this is the good life – salute! To the Cason family– gracie and bravo. You almost made cent' anni. Close enough. Maria's is woven into the very fabric of Rockford and will live in its collective heart forever.

John will be missed we only knew him for a short time, but grew to enjoy our neighbor. He befriended my husband and that helped him acclimate to our new home area.

Maria & Joe. My sincere condolences. So many Johnny memories swirling around in my mind. They bring sadness, joy and most of all, laughter.

R.I.P JOHN you will be missed. Tell Joe hi

Deepest sympathies to the Cason Family. Many memories of Birthday Steaks, Co-workers celebrating with a dinner at Maria's & a wave to Jake, Holiday parties. I am grateful knowing when my turn comes to transition I know there will be an "impeccable Jake Cason steak" being served for my heavenly dinner. Rest well Mr. Jake Cason.

You will be greatly missed John. Enjoyed all the meals at Maria's.

My entire family worked at Marias. The entire Cazon family was so good to me, Steve, Gary and sister Linda. The Zandonatti family sends condolences, prayers and great memories of Jonny. Sincerely Patty (Zandonatti) Thompson

We will all miss Johnny very dearly, he was a big part of our every day to day hotel life. Things won't be the same here without you, Johnny. We love you! -Radisson Hotel and Conference Staff <3

Joe & Maria, Very sorry to hear of my friend's passing. All the best in your time of grieving. John was a true friend to me and my wife Cindy. I gave him many rides home and he loved to talk about the horses here in Louisville at Churchill Downs. I will miss his laugh. Sincerely, Kurt Johnson