Duilio “Duke” Peter Sorini

Duilio Sorini 1

American FlagDuilio “Duke” Peter Sorini, age 93, of La Grange Park, formerly of Brookfield. Beloved husband of the late Norma Ann Sorini, nee Mazzetti; loving father of Paulette Sorini and Ron (Desiree Tucker-Sorini); grandfather of Jeff (Margaret) Pigatto, Dana (Brett) Sharrett, Kirk (Mandy) Pigatto, Christopher, Leah and Marissa Sorini, and great grand-children Tommy, Charlie and Frannie Pigatto, Hunter, Sadie and Ava Sharrett, Abbie, Ben and Max Pigatto. An only child, Duke, was born in Chicago on November 6, 1922, just months after his parents, Nello and Maria Pagni Sorini, arrived in America from Ponte Buggianese, Italy. Duke served with distinction in the U.S. Army Air Corp, flying 40 missions in Europe as part of the 463rd Bombardment Wing of “the Swoose Group”. Married Norma Ann Mazzetti on October 16, 1948. They started and operated a soda fountain parlor until taking over Febo Restaurant, “Famous for Nothing” in November 1949 with a cousin, Leo Cecchi, whose mothers’ founded the restaurant in 1929. They made Febo into one of the most popular Italian restaurants in Chicago. Duke retired in 1986 to spend time with his family, frequenting hundreds of sporting events, dance recitals and school events for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In his final years Duke loved family dinners, dessert, playing cards and watching the Cubs and the Bears. While he wanted to live to see the Cubs win the World Series, we know he will be cheering them on from heaven. Public visitation will be Friday, September 9, 2016, from 4:00 P.M. to 8 P.M. at Hitzeman Funeral Home, Ltd., 9445 West 31st Street, Brookfield, IL. Private family service to be held at Hitzeman Funeral Home, Saturday. Burial beside his beloved wife at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, 1400 S. Wolf Road, Hillside, IL. Memorials appreciated to COPD Foundation, 3300 Ponce De Leon Blvd., Miami, FL 33134. Information 708-485-2000 or www.HitzemanFuneral.com

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Messages of Condolence

  1. Thomas S Uhlich Sr condolence:

    My condolences Paulette and the whole Sorini, Pigatto & Cecchi Families. etc. for your loss…

    The ‘Greatest Generation’ is slipping away quickly…

    Very appreciative of your fathers Service during WWII. Flying B-17 in Europe was a dangerous business and he was a lucky man to make it back alive… Thank God & Thank You Duke for your Service.

    Duke started at Febo on my birth month and year… Loved Febo food…

    Peace be with you all…


  2. Paula Lundquist condolence:

    All of us in Tucson are there in spirit. We loved Duke and Grandma Norm a lot.


  3. Stan Wolf condolence:

    Paulette, Ron and the rest of the Sorini/Pigatto and Sharrett famIies I had pleasure of knowing your father/grandfather and great-grandfather for only one year. Through your stories about him and visiting his home and yours it feels like it has been many more. Paulette and Ron your Dad will be missed by all, that his life has touched. Your a great guy “Duke” I will miss you.


  4. Donna and Larry Longbehn condolence:

    To Paulette, Kirk, Jeff, and Dana

    Please accept our condolences on the passing of your Dad and Grandfather. He was a wonderful man and we will all miss him dearly.


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