Ida F. Infusino

Ida Francesca Infusino, age 77, passed away peacefully at her home with her family by her side on Friday morning, April 17, 2015 after a brief illness. She was born in Marano Principato, Italy on February 4, 1938 to Annunziato and Rosaria (nee: Baratta) Cairo. She came to the United States in July of 1950 with her mother Rosaria, and her two sisters, Filomena “Phyllis” and Concetta “Connie”, and joined their father in Blue Island, IL. At that time her two younger sisters, Donna and Nella were born, whom she helped raise after their father died at the age of fifty. While in Blue Island, she was employed by Robertson Transformers for many years.

Ida married Emilio Gerardo Infusino in Rende, Italy on August 14, 1960, and then returned to Blue Island until June of 1973 when they relocated to Racine. Ida and Emilio worked at a family business, DeRango’s in West Racine operated as Infusino’s Inc. until they opened Infusino’s Restaurant on Rapids Drive on May 14, 1980 with their nephews Egidio and Pasquale. Ida worked in many capacities there until the time of her death. An excellent cook, Ida always had something prepared waiting for her husband when he got home late from work. She also was well known for canning all of her husband’s vegetables from his garden. She was a faithful member of St. Rita Catholic Church, and Vittoria Colonna. She enjoyed the little things in life such as lunch with her girls, iced mochas, sweets with nuts, Hallmark movies, Game Show Network and Harlequin romance novels. Ida’s greatest joy came from time spent with her family and celebrating their successes. She loved her family trips to Las Vegas, Italy, Wisconsin Dells and Door County. She was named “NeeNee” by her oldest grandson, Mateo, derived from Nonnina. Ida especially loved going to all of her grandchildren’s events including football games, wrestling meets and dance recitals. She will be best remembered for her great love and devotion to her family. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Ida will always be remembered by her loving husband of almost fifty five years, Emilio; children, Carmela Infusino, Gerardo “Jerry” (Natalie) Infusino, Lisa (Joe) Chiapete; grandchildren, Mateo and Marco Infusino and NeeNee’s little Puppetta Gianna Concetta Chiapete; sisters, Filomena “Phyllis” DeRango, Donna (Egidio) Infusino, Nella (Pasquale) Infusino, all of Racine; sister-in-law, Ida Infusino of Racine; additional in-laws in Italy, Ida (Enrico) Aceto, Marietta (Saverio) Aceto; nieces and nephews, Rose (Jerry Floyd) DeRango, Frank DeRango, Nancy DeRango, Tony (Brenda) DeRango, Giovanni (Katie Garza) Infusino, Egidio “Gino” Infusino Jr, Giuseppe “Joey” Infusino and Ida Francesca Infusino; many cousins, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Connie, father-in-law and mother-in-law, Pasquale and Carmela Infusino, brother-in-laws, Giovanni Infusino and Giovanni “John” DeRango.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Rita Catholic Church, 4339 Douglas Ave, on Wednesday April 22, 2015, 11:00 a.m., with Rev. James Presta and Rev. Rich Young concelebrating. Entombment will follow at Holy Cross Garden Mausoleum, Hwy 32. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the funeral home on Tuesday evening from 5:00 until 8:00. Vittoria Colonna Service to be held at 6:30 P.M. and visitation at the church on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until time of Mass.

The family extends a very special thank you to the Wheaton Franciscan-All Saints Hospice team, especially Dr. Rayani, Emily, Isaac, Kathy and Lauren for all of their loving and compassionate care.