Obituaries & Death Notices

Michael John Muzzarelli

08/25/1950 - 08/14/2021

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Obituary For Michael John Muzzarelli

Michael John Muzzarelli, Jr., 70, of Rockford, passed away Saturday, August 14th with his family at his side. Michael was born in Rockford on August 25th, 1950, the son of Michael and Viola (Liberatori) Muzzarelli. He grew up in South Rockford with his sister Cynthia and brother John. He made lifelong friends in the old Italian neighborhood, sharing wonderful stories of the good old days off of Rose Avenue. Michael was a graduate of Saint Anthony School and Boylan Catholic High School class of 1968. He also attended Rock Valley College. Michael was an accomplished athlete in his younger days. Awarded the All-Conference ranking for baseball and one of the region’s best catchers of his time. Michael was a host to many during his years in the hospitality industry. Starting at Jungle Jim’s in 1975 with his dear friend. He went on to own the Crystal Pistol in DeKalb, Illinois for 15 years before returning to Rockford. He continued as General Manager of Cliff Breakers and Food and Beverage/Sales Director at the Radisson. Michael married Mary Pat Limp on August 4th, 1990, in DeKalb. They spent 31 years together building their life. Together they raised their beautiful daughter, Sophia. She was the apple of his eye. They were thick as thieves and constant companions. He taught her the meaning of unconditional love and sacrifice.

Michael is survived by his wife Mary Pat, daughter Sophia, sister Cynthia Lynch, brother John Muzzarelli of Scottsdale AZ; Brothers and Sisters-in-law; Barb (Bill) Cripe of Waterville, ME, Jeff (Kathy) Limp of Naperville, Kathy (Michael) Valentino of Des Plaines, Jon (Nancy) Limp of Streamwood, Missy (Greg) Poulos of St. Charles; nephews, Gregory (Arwen) Lynch, Naperville, Ryan (fiancée Jessica) Muzzarelli, Scottsdale, AZ, Chad Muzzarelli, Austin, TX, Billy (Kelly) Cripe of Minneapolis, Steven (Clare) Limp of Downers Grove, Mark Limp of Naperville, Dan (Shannon) Limp of Elgin, Robert Limp of Streamwood; Nieces, Corrie (Mark) Kiefer of Niles, Ginny (Donald) Williams-Jurney of Boston, Crissy (Jose) Rodriguez of Cary, Katie (David) Ruiz of Nicaragua; Numerous great-nieces and nephews, cousins and dear friends.

Funeral Mass, 11:00 am, Thursday, August 19, 2021, in St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 1010 Ferguson Street, Rockford, IL 61102. Visitation will be held from 4 pm until 7 pm on Wednesday, August 18th at Tony Gasparini Funerals, 6825 Weaver Road, Rockford, IL 61114. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family to be established at a later date. Covid protocol applies.

Services

18 Aug

Visitation

04:00 PM - 07:00 PM

Tony Gasparini Funerals 6825 Weaver Rd. Rockford, IL 61114 Get Directions »
19 Aug

Funeral Mass

11:00 AM

St Anthony of Padua Church 1010 Ferguson St. Rockford, IL 61102 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

  • 08/15/2023

    John Ongena

    I knew Mike mostly had Boylan. However, he was a great guy to know I was a lot of fun and later after high school whenever we ran into each other he always treated me with respect. He was a great guy and going to be missed. John.Ongena

  • 08/19/2021

    Dude Wildrick

    I was shocked to hear the sad news about Muzz. My condolences to his wife and daughter and to his sister Cindy and brother John. Muzz and I were classmates at St.Anthony's and Boylan. He was always fun to be around. He had the personality and charm to make even a stranger feel welcomed. After college, I always made the effort to stop and see Muzz usually at his work. Muzz was a people person . He will be missed. I remember car rides from Boylan after football practice to South Rockford with Muzz and our driver, Mike, Sr. Not to mention our classroom and school activities we experienced while growing up together. Again, my condolences......Dude Wildrick

  • 08/18/2021

    Mike Mastroianniu

    My condolences, Mary Pat, to you and your family. You are in our thoughts and prayers. I enjoyed working with Mike. Mike Mastroianni

  • 08/17/2021

    Mary Ann Townsend

    Cynthia and family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Mary Ann Alfano Townsend

  • 08/17/2021

    Kristen Reina-Giatzis

    Memories of Michael always making us laugh! He adored MP from the start; and made everyone feel at ease. God speed and much love and sympathy for Sophia & Splat! Theres a jumbo shrimp in a Bloody Mary waiting for y'all.

  • 08/16/2021

    Brian & Andrea Bear

    Don't even have the words for how shocked and sad we are to hear this news. Honored to have worked with him and will always remember how incredible and professional and wonderful he was to work with for every event that we did with him. Losing him is a huge loss for our entire community and for everyone he's touched. Love and strength to you and your family.

  • 08/16/2021

    Coleen

    Mary Pat and Sophia, I am so very sorry to hear this sad news. I have so many wonderful memories of my days that I got to know Michael, working a the C.P. My condolences. Coleen McKone Anzalone

  • 08/16/2021

    Sylvia Landers, AZ

    I am so sorry to see the Loss of Michael. My Heart is full of sadness and I send my Condolences to Mary Pat and Sofie. Also to his extended family. May all of the loving memories you have with Michael help to get you through your sadness. I will always remember the joy Michael gave me and my family. RIP my good friend.

  • 08/16/2021

    Ruth Miller

    So very sorry for your loss. I knew Michael through his work and always enjoyed working with him. God Bless All. Ruth Miller

  • 08/16/2021

    Dodie Degener

    Mary Pat. So very sorry for your loss. I will remember you all in my prayers. Sincerely, Dodie Degener

  • 08/16/2021

    Joseph Arco

    Our deepest sympathy to you and Sophia. May God give you strength in this difficult time. Our prayers are with you and your family. Joe & Susan Arco

  • 08/16/2021

    Nancy Betts

    Mary Pat and Sophia I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your loved one. Prayers and love are being sent to you both! 🙏❤️

  • 08/16/2021

    Kristan McNames

    Mary Pat, I'm so sorry to hear this news. Praying for you, your daughter and extended family. Kristan McNames

  • 08/16/2021

    Teresa Lantz

    Mary Pat and Sophie, We are truly sorry for your loss. If there is anything you need, please let us know. John and Teresa

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