Dino Italo Laurenzi, Sr., 94, of Kenosha, passed away on Wednesday, May 17, 2023, at home surrounded by his loving family. Born in Kenosha, on May 5, 1929, he was the fourth child born to first generation immigrant parents, Giuseppe “Joseph” and Adele (Tombesi) Laurenzi. A lifelong resident of Kenosha, he was educated at McKinley Elementary and Jr. High Schools and graduated from Kenosha High School in 1947. After graduating from high school, he attended the University of Wisconsin – Madison where he earned a letter in wrestling and was a manager for the 1953 Badger Rosebowl team prior to graduating from the School of Pharmacy. Dino served in the US Army as a 1st Lieutenant in the Medical Service Corps at Camp Rucker, AL, where he met his future bride, Captain Virginia D. Hitchcock. Dino and Virginia were wed April 30, 1955, in a small chapel on base. Twenty -five years later they returned to the chapel to reaffirm their vows. Dino and Virginia returned to Kenosha upon discharge. They opened General Drug Pharmacy in 1961. Dino was an active member of Holy Rosary Parish Council, past chairman of the Holy Rosary Festival, and active in the Italian American Club, Kenosha Pharmacy Association, Elks Club, and the Kenosha Country Club. Upon retirement he was active with Meals on Wheels and the Kenosha Aging Society. Dino and Virginia were married for 44 years prior to Virginia’s death in 1999. Dino and Virginia were blessed with five beautiful children: Linda (Bob Brown) Laurenzi of Madison, Paula (Rick) Elsen of Stoddard, Dino (Mary) Laurenzi, Jr. of Pleasant Prairie, Tony (Karen) Laurenzi of Elgin, TX, and Laura (Kris Jensen) Laurenzi of Madison. He is further survived by 11 grandchildren: Jennifer (David) Tahan, Jill Henson, Taylor (Blake) Praeger, Jordan Elsen, Kristi (Gregory) Stroh, Ciera (Troy) Northrup, Anthony (Nicole) Laurenzi, Jared (Natalie) Elsen, Jessie (Mitch Harlan) Laurenzi, Kendra (Todd) Foster, Jaime (Kris) Abildgaard; and 16 great-grandchildren: Matthew and Ethan Armwood; Christopher, Samantha, Sarah and Cooper Henson; Avory Luellman ; Esther and Maverick Elsen; Charles, Thomas, Elizabeth and Catherine Stroh; Palmer and Cameran Praeger, and Dominic Laurenzi. On August 4, 2001, Dino married Carole (Klipp) Zimmerly at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Kenosha. Carole has three daughters: Sharon Riek of Racine, Sue (Phil) Etter of Austin, TX, and Sandra (Roger) Gill of Morgantown, KY; and two granddaughters: Hannah and Rachel Gill. Dino and Carole are members of St. Anne Catholic Church. Dino is survived by a sister: Yolanda Camosy of Clearwater, FL; and a brother: Joseph Laurenzi of Kenosha; and numerous nieces and nephews. Dino was preceded in death by his parents: Giuseppe and Adele; three siblings: Ezio Laurenzi, Lena Cardinali, and Florence Gifford; a sister-in-law: Elizabeth Laurenzi; and three brothers-in-law: Richard Cardinali, Sr., Joseph Camosy, and James Gifford. The family wishes to thank Dr. Wendel Friedl, Dr. Anna Silenzi, and Hospice Alliance. Their professionalism and compassion for our father was outstanding. We’d also like to thank Father Bob Weighner and Deacon Rich Stanula from St. Anne Catholic Church. Deacon Rich and Father Bob brought Dino communion numerous times and valued their friendship on his final journey. Finally, a gracious thank you to our Angel Billey for all her compassionate love and care for not only Dino but our entire family. Visitation will take place on Monday, May 22, 2023, at St. Anne Catholic Church, 9091 Prairie Ridge Blvd, from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at St. George Cemetery with military honors. In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. Anne Catholic Church, or Hospice Alliance, 10220 Prairie Ridge Blvd Pleasant Prairie, WI 53158, would be appreciated by the family. To stream the service online, please use the following link at 11:00 a.m. https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTY4NDM3NzU2MjI1MTg3MiZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==Proko Funeral Home & Crematory5111-60th StreetKenosha, WI 53144Phone: (262) 654-3533Visit & Sign Dino’sOnline Memorial Book at:www.prokofuneralhome.com
Condolences
Kerry Connelly
May 24, 2023
Hello: Sorry to hear about the passing of Dino. I'm sure he was a very good father. In my teens a few of us would hang out in Dino's pharmacy in Uptown. He was always good to us.As it turns out one of my older sister's worked with Dino at Becker's Cigar store on 63rd Street and 14th Ave. She worked there after school at Bradford. Here's a picture of your dad from 1959. Becker's had about 3 or 4 stores in Kenosha. I don't know if they sold drugs.I think it was mainly smoking products and magazines. Best wishes,Kerry
Cindy Orton (Hanson)
May 23, 2023
Dino was a good person. I worked for him for 10 years at the pharmacy. Great family. I remember when i first started working for him i dumped a bottle of pills all over the floor, he didn't say a word to me. Allowed me to bring my infant son to work with me when my sitter was running late. Good memories. Sorry for your loss.
Jane Hosmanek Kaiser
May 22, 2023
I have so many good memories of Dino, as my boss at General Drug, and as Linda's friend. Rest in peace, Dino. Enjoy your journey to the Great Beyond!
terry Hafner
May 21, 2023
My memories of Dino Laurenzi span over 68 years when his dear wife, Virginia, whom I worked with, invited us for coffee one evening at their apartment. Thus, began a treasured friendship among our families which endured many happy and sad moments that we shared. My respect for Dino was commendable as a professional man but most of all for the family he and Virginia raised. I was blessed to have them in my life. Rest in peace, dear friends.Terry Hafner
Kendra Foster (Laurenzi)
May 17, 2023
Most of the grandchildren at Dino (Grandpa’s) 90th birthday.
Bob Brown
May 17, 2023
I knew him thru my 6 year marriage to Linda Laurenzi. Thru her and her brothers and sisters, I knew him to be hard working, loyal and devoted to his family. 16 grandchildren. What a legacy. What an inspiration. What a Father. May he rest in peace.