Louis F. Pillizzi

1933 ∼ 2019

Louis F. “Muzzy” Pillizzi, 85, of Kenosha, passed away on Wednesday, June 12th, surrounded by his beloved family, at Aurora Medical Center. Born on June 29, 1933 in Kenosha, he was the son of the late Sam and Anna (Vonna) Pillizzi. Muzzy proudly served in the Special Services for the U.S. Army from June 12, 1953 until May 11, 1955 when he was honorably discharged. During his service, he was featured on the television show “Soldier Parade—Variety” with Arlene Francis. On July 2, 1955 he married the love of his life, Mary Jane DeRose, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Racine. Muzzy worked as a customer liaison for more than 30 years at InSinkErator until his retirement in 1996. He was a lifelong member of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church and a member of the church choir for more than 50 years. He served as president of the choir and as president of the Holy Name Society. Muzzy was a talented musician with a beautiful voice. With his band, he entertained at weddings and other events in Kenosha for many years. He sang the National Anthem at Comiskey Park and at the Milwaukee County Stadium. He was very honored to be the Grand Marshall for the Kenosha Civic Parade in 2004. But more than any of the many accomplishments of his life, Muzzy will be best remembered for his deep love of family and his kind, funny spirit. Every life he touched was better for having known him, and for that legacy we are forever grateful. Survivors include his wife, Mary Jane; two children, LuAnn (William) Morrissey of Woodstock, IL and Dino (Kelley) Pillizzi of Libertyville, IL; three grandchildren, Olivia and Lucas Morrissey and Rees Pillizzi; siblings, Delores Weddel and Dominic (Georgia) Pillizzi; and many loving nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Muzzy was preceded in death by his brothers, Sam, James and Joseph Pillizzi; and sisters, Victoria Angotti and Virginia Pierce. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 18th at Proko Funeral Home. Prayers will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, June 19th at 9:15 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church at 10:00 a.m. Entombment with Full Military Honors will follow at All Saints Mausoleum. The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the doctors, nurses and staff at Aurora Medical Center, especially Anna, Danielle and Jordan, for their compassionate care for Muzzy and his family during his time there. Proko Funeral Home & Crematory5111-60th Street Phone: 262-654-3533Visit & Sign Muzzy’s Online Memorial Book At:www.prokofuneralhome.com

Condolences

Kathy Fabiano Jalensky June 20, 2019
So sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful Man and left great memories to all who knew him. Many blessings Jim and Kathy (Fabiano) Jalensky
Tom Oldani June 19, 2019
Dear Mary Jane,Louise and I were sadden with the death of Muzzy.What a wonderful man he was.We'll always remember how he treated our children when he saw them after church or out in the public. Our daughter Kasse will always have a special place in her heart for Muzzy.All the times we took our grandkids, Stella and Kash to McDonalds and encountered Muzzy and you. Lots of hugs and kisses.How about me and Muzzy calling BINGO. I should of wrote down all the jokes we told each other to keep us sane with all those BINGO freaks playing in the cafeteria.Then there's all the monthly Holy Name breakfasts we cooked in the 80's and 90's. Lots of jokes and laughs.Muzzy was a special human being. Always available to help at HR Oh! I almost forgot all the years him and his brother Joe worked Sports Night. Muzzy was the type of person that once he met you and you engaged him with respect and friendship, he was your friend for life..Again, Louise and I will miss him, his smile, his jokes and the wonderful friendship we had with him.Always , Love and PrayersTom & Louise Oldani
Jim Siedjak June 18, 2019
Jim SiedjakI’m so sorry for your loss. Please accept my deepest condolences. As my past coach, Mr. Pillizzi used to say to me, “Keep your eye on the ball, try to make contact, and put the ball in play” – words of wisdom to live by. Occasionally, I would see Mr. Pillizzi, along with his brother Joe, at a Holy Rosary morning mass – what a beautiful voice Mr.Pillizzi had. He was a great man and teacher. I will miss him.
Sister Deborah Marie, FSSJ June 18, 2019
"Make a joyful noise unto the Lord!" When God breathed His song of life into the soul of Louis F. Pilizzi, He created more than a joyful noisemaker...He composed a symphony of life and love as it should be sung and performed through His faithful, loving and talented son, Muzzy. For Muzzy, though, it went beyond performance. He truly lived the song of his soul - a song of deep love, faith, loyalty, kindness, humility - and gentle humor. I am one among the many whose lives were touched by Muzzy. Though my time at Holy Rosary was brief, I came to know Muzzy through choir. We indeed made a joyful noise unto the Lord - especially at practice! I am grateful we kept in touch from time to time through the years. He always put a smile on my face and a song in my heart! Indeed, my life IS better for knowing Muzzy Pilizzi! Rest in Peace, dear friend, in the "Lullaby of Heaven". To his beloved Mary Jane and Family, dearest relatives and cherished friends, I offer my heartfelt sympathy and prayers. May you find peace in the Heart of our Risen Lord and comfort in the Mantle of Our Lady's care. Rest assured that the heavenly choir welcomes Muzzy with great Joy as they make an eternal "joyful noise unto the Lord!" May you hear his song of love sing in your heart every day! Sister Deborah Marie, FSSJ
Pat and Bob Oldani June 17, 2019
“Life is a song and you dear Muzzy knew how to sing it”!!! Muzzy was always there to help in any way he could and in every aspect of Holy Rosary Church and School. H. R. was his extended family and we all loved and appreciated all he did.Muzzy, you have left behind a space that can never be filled. Thanks for all you did for so many of us.
Lou Cosenza June 16, 2019
I don't remember a better Man that ever lived. No one can ever match Muzzy.Lou Cosenza Sr.
Rose Giannini June 15, 2019
My condolences to the family.
Karen Kaiser June 15, 2019
We will truly miss this generous to a fault man at Holy Rosary. He was such an integral part of our tight knit community. Festival will not be the same this year without his beautiful voice!! Watch over us in heaven Muzzy!!!
Maryann Sadlon June 14, 2019
My thoughts and prayers are with you ~ LuAnn I am so sorry for your loss.My deepest sympathy, Love, Maryann
Sara DiVito June 14, 2019
I am so sorry to hear about Muzzy's passing. My very first car was his old car! :) Everytime I would see him walking with his umbrella around the neighborhood he would wave at me. I also remember him and his choir singing at Holy Rosary. Prayers with your family at this time.