I realize that not everyone who follows my blog, follows me on Instagram or Facebook, so I thought I would post Tony’s obituary here. With the help of my brother Charlie, I think it fits him (and us) perfectly.
You all know my nickname is Biz, but every couple years Tony would add another name. My middle name is Ann, so Tony called me Biz Ann for a while. Then he added another name and called me Biz Ann Mae. Then it was Biz Ann May Alcott (because Little Women is one of my favorite books). Then he added Biz Ann Mae Alcott DeFazio. Why? I don’t know. And the last was Biz Ann May Alcott DeFazio DiGiorno. DiGiorno is my favorite frozen pizza if I am in a pinch.
Thank you THANK YOU THANK YOU for all you kind messages, notes, texts, comments, emails, etc. You’ve helped me get through this week more than you’ll ever know. I am so grateful.
Jeffrey Carlo Velatini, 54, of Cary, died Tuesday December 2, 2014 at home surrounded by family.
Jeff was proud of his Italian heritage but even more proud of the fact that he had two distinct eyebrows and no back hair. A lifelong Chicago White Sox apologist, he was eager to point out the number of years the Cubs had gone without a World Series win. It’s been one hundred and six years. This remains the longest championship drought in North American professional sports. The longest.
Jeff loved Grey Goose, good whiskey, and a fine cigar while complaining about the odors emanating from the kitchen of his wife of nearly fourteen years. “What smells like ass?” was a favorite phrase.
Jeff (a.k.a Tony) is survived by his pretty wife, Elizabeth (a.k.a. Biz Ann Mae Alcott DeFazio DiGiorno, nee Hills); children, Joseph Carlo (Liz) Velatini and Hannah Hills; his parents, Carl and Bonnie Velatini; sister, Jody Velatini; mother-in-law, Jerry Hills; many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Memorial visitation will be held from 4-9p.m., Friday, December 5, 2014, at Davenport Family Funeral Home, 419 E. Terra Cotta Ave., Crystal Lake, IL 60014.
Burial will be held privately. Ashes to be scattered at the place where the White Sox play (Jeff refused to acknowledge the name “U.S. Cellular Field”), Soldier Field, and in Ponte Vecchio, Italy.
Memorials may be made to Rainbow Hospice, www.rainbowhospice.org.
Oh Biz,
I haven’t been on Blogger for weeks and I’m just now finding out about Tony. I’m so sorry for your loss. I know you two have been through so many health scares over the years and I figured this was just one of those things and he’d come through it. Gosh, I’m just so shocked I have no idea what to say except that I’m thinking of you during this difficult time.
I wish I had been following your blog back when I lived in Illinois so we could have actually met in person!
Peace and healing to you and your family.
Just beautiful!
I’m so sorry for your loss and for the loss of the world. You are an amazing woman and you two were a role model of a beautiful partnership. We may never get the chance to meet but please know that I’m sending love and hugs your way. Stay amazing, stay true to you and thank you for letting us into your life. RIP Tony. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mM0-ZU8njdo
Tony would be proud. Never have I read an obituary that made me laugh and cry. Very well written and it had Tony’s personality shining through. (((Hugs to you)))
Dear Biz: When I saw this post – well, there’s not much I can say that hasn’t been said by all the wonderful, supportive people who’ve posted already. I was in your shoes at one time (although with two young children) and although it’s been many years, whenever I hear of someone who has to bear such a loss, it all comes back. The obituary was just perfect and so full of the sense of both who Tony was, and the relationship the two of you had. I wish you peace in your heart and never hesitate to lean as hard as you need on those close to you in your life. And to vent to your online friends when you just can’t open up to those in your real life. xoxo to you and to your daughter and your stepson, Biz.
This could not have been written better. Thinking of you.
Hi. I am visiting after reading Kim’s latest posting. Having lost my husband when our two were little I am moved to comment. Your obit speaks volumes about Tony – what a gem of a guy. I am so very sorry to learn that he has passed on. It’s an exhausting roller coaster of a time that you’ve just been through. Be kind to yourself. Sending a jumbo virtual hug.
A beautiful obituary and wonderful places to scatter his ashes – ponte vecchio is stunning and a baseball field is sort of “home” you are in my thoughts
I am so sorry to hear about Tony. Please know that I will keep you in my prayers! I lost my husband 3 years ago and it was (and is) the hardest thing to get through. My heart goes out to you, please know he is watching over you and will always be with you. I will keep you in my thoughts and send love and strength to you, as will all of us who have grown to know you both through your website. My sincere sympathies, Terri James
The obituary is so beautifully perfect, Biz! You and Charlie did a great job of capturing the Tony that I’ve come to appreciate from this side of the screen. I am sending so much love and serious hugs from New York, Biz. xoxo
I wanted to tell you again how sorry I am for your loss. Tony’s obituary however, is perfect! I am keeping you in my thoughts and sending positive wishes your way. When you get a chance, could you email me your address? Thank you xoxo
I’m behind on reading posts and just saw this. I’m so sorry for your loss. Well done on the obit as it’s rare that people allow the humour of the person it’s honouring to come through. Beautifully done.
Oh Biz….I’ve read your blog forever, but this is my first post…I just re-read your last few months…my heart goes out to you, and I have sent many healing angels from South FL to surround you…much love to you during these saddest of times….
I am soooo sorry for your loss… I’m not quite sure what to say… I have been following your blog and you truly inspire me health wise to get in better shape and live a full life.. Nothing I can say right now is ever going to ease what you are going thru.. But God watches over us all and I truly believe He is there in happiness and in sorrow… May God bless you and your family and be with you at this time… I am tearing up right now as I write this comment… Prayers and Condolences for you and your family. Dawn
Biz, you have been on my mind all week (I know that doesn’t help anything but…).
I wish I could help somehow!!
Oh, Little Women is my all-time favorite book!!! One of the very few books that I’ve read more than once!!!
Beautiful.
Coming by from Day with K.T. to send you a virtual hug and let you know that people all over the place are thinking of you. I am so sorry about Tony.-Ashley
Beautiful Biz! I have been thinking about you all day yesterday and still am. Take care sweety.
I only recently started following you, but I am saddened to hear of your loss. I wish you peace and comfort during this difficult time. What a beautiful obituary you wrote for such a loving partner. Heidi from New Hampshire