On Christmas Day, Thursday, December 25, 2025, the Lord gained a very special angel when he called Virginia Theresa Pillizzi. She was 98 years old and resided in Kenosha, WI. She was born May 16, 1927, in Bronx, NY, the daughter of the late Angelo and Carmella (Fortino) Pagliaro. She was educated in The Bronx area schools and was later married to James Mario Pillizzi for 20 years. Virginia worked at Jockey International and then American Motor Corporation for several years before retirement. She was an impressive homemaker, always making sure her home was immaculate, in every way. Virginia loved to dance, spend time outside feeding the birds, attending church festivals, and going shopping. She was a proud supporter of the U.S. Navy, which both her stepfather, Napoleon Cerminara, and life companion, Farris Demonbreun, Jr. spent decades serving. Survivors include her children, James Pillizzi, Jr., Gina (Rick) Pillizzi-Oberg, and Jerry Pillizzi; grandchildren, Sherri, Jaime, Samantha, Ricky (Stephanie), and Gianna (Joel); great-grandchildren, Juliano, Lexis, Elaina, Aubriana, Bentley, Arianna, Mackenna, Bryson, and Jaxon; three great-great-grandchildren, Novella, Azel, and Nevaeh; and siblings, Gregory Cerminara, Ralph Cerminara, and Gloria Dimeo. In addition to her parents, Virginia was preceded in death by her former husband, James Pillizzi; an infant son, Joseph Pillizzi; son, Sammy Pillizzi; her life companion, Farris Demonbreun Jr; great-grandson, Mason Gains; and siblings, Joseph Pagliaro, Adeline Pagliaro, Julia Lucas, Esther Hoffman, and Catherine “Kitty” Lusebrink.Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. on Monday, January 5, 2026, at Proko Funeral Home. A prayer service will be held at 10:15 a.m. Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at the funeral home to St. Mark Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00 a.m. with interment to follow in St. George Cemetery, Kenosha, WI.
Condolences
Michael Espinosa
December 30, 2025
Since the day I met her she was always respectful n caring n loving lady. I have lots of respect for her. She lived a long life with a loving family. Rest Easy Mom as I always called you. Mike Espinosa
Patricia Pagliaro
December 30, 2025
THE SWEETEST,LINDEST WOMAN EVER
Denise Hilty Stevens
December 30, 2025
It was an honor to have gotten to know your Mother! She always enjoyed driving around with you and Gianna in your red truck! She always had that gorgeous smile and was so soft spoken and always had positive things to say . I know she will be deeply missed and forever loved! My deepest regards go out to her family! Big hugs to all of you and Prayers for comfort!
Betty Kent
December 29, 2025
She was always so sweet always a smile..would shop across the street with Mom on 22nd Ave we grew up together like family. She was one of a kind so warm and welcoming all the time and Always that Beautiful smile. Great Lady with a Big Heart. She was one of a kind and will always have Fond memories of her. Rest in 🕊️ Peace 🙏🙏Betty Kent
Gina Cerminara
December 29, 2025
I have many fond memories of Aunt Virginia as a child while attending birthday parties, family picnics, and watching parades on her front porch. Christmas at her apartment was always so festive with her beautiful Christmas decorations, yummy Italian food, Aunts, Uncles and cousins sharing holiday cheer. We were noisy, laughing and little did we know making meaningful memories. Most recently, I was invited to celebrating her 98th birthday party at the Italian American restaurant and she still had that sweet smile and kind eyes. I am grateful to have her as my Aunt and she will always remain in my ❤️ Rest in Peace Auntie Virgie.
Vincent Pagliaro
December 29, 2025
The greatest aunt, a boy growing up could’ve ever had. As a boy, I would spend my summers with her and Dimo. The close bond that my dad and her had his brother and sister she treated me like I was a child of her own she cooked for me. She took care of me and showed me the love and compassion that she would her own children. I am forever grateful for having this beautiful woman in my life and I will never forget her. I know that you and my dad Joseph are reunited again. You will forever be in my heart until I see you again.You’re loving nephew, Vincent