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.
I am so so so very sorry for your loss. We don’t know one another but I feel like we do because I’m one of Kim’s readers… jeez… I’m just so very sorry 🙁
I’m so sorry for your loss. Every blog post, including this, just shines with the love you share, and I don’t have any words to express how sad I am to read this
So sorry to hear of Tony’s passing. Hugs to you and your family. Xo
Beautiful!
So sorry to hear that Tony passed away. I will pray for you and his family.
i always enjoyed reading about the two of you and the post that Tony wrote.
Oh, Biz….:(
Hugs Hugs Hugs Hugs Hugs—–nothing else will suffice. Love, Carol
Beautiful, Biz. Tony would have loved it almost as much as he loved you.
You’re in my prayers.
That was the best obit. I have ever heard. Fits you two perfectly. I left a comment the other day on Instagram about Tony’s sense of humor. What a special way to honor and remember him. This is such a great example of celebrating his life and wonderful memories- I don’t know how you keep the attitude you do but it inspires me more then you know!
Beautifully written , sending lots of hugs your way.
Beautiful, honest and touching. I am very sorry for your loss.
Oh bless your heart I’m so, so sorry. I don’t really know you, but I know that pain and what it feels like to be the saddest girl in the whole world. You seem to have such an uplifting spirit, so please hang in there and cry and love and laugh and remember that wonderful man. Hugs from Louisiana.
Biz,
My condolences. I always loved your stories about Tony. I will remember him the best with the cigar. Please know that he was loved by such a beautiful family and you the most.
Oh Biz… I am so, so sorry for your loss of your cherished Tony. I loved getting to know him thru your writing and loved the both of you…. You are a gem and our Father does indeed hold you in the palm of His Hand … I am continuing to pray (((hug))))
Biz,
I just want to say that I am so sorry for your loss. I’ve read your blog for years, although I think this may be the first time I’ve every posted. My heart breaks for you, and I wish you peace and comfort.
That is hands down the best and most clever obituary I have ever read. I want to laugh AND cry. I have read your blog faithfully for two years and I am addicted. I love it. I feel like I know you. I wish I did as a matter of fact. I could tell that your beloved Tony had a wonderful sense of humor. I am so sorry for your loss. Sending you huge and heartfelt hugs from Missouri.
I’m stopping by from Kim’s blog to offer my condolences. The obituary is beautiful.
It’s perfect…tears and smile as I read it. Tony will definitely be missed. Sending hugs and love to you and your family.
Oh Biz! So sorry! My husband Don and I send you love, hugs and wish we could do more to ease your pain! Tony was such a sweetheart and we all grew to love him through you. You are two of the finest people we have ever met on the Net and probably in life too. He will always be in our hearts and we will do our best to pray for your strength and always follow you as you permit on your blog. God bless and our four arms of love are around you from afar and you are close in our hearts….always! Don and Joyce from Niagara Falls, NY
What a wonderful obituary. You are in my prayers. Tony’s sense of humor was so unique and appreciated!
I am soooo sorry for your loss, I too, lost a loved one the 11 of Nov. my son of 46 years. Died suddenly at home , no warning, heart attack. I am still in shock.
We have to stay strong. I’ll keep you in my prayers.