Pietro Cimino

It is with both heavy hearts and fond memories that we announce the passing of the charismatic and loving Pietro Cimino, affectionately known as Peter, on December 11, 2023. He was born on November 2, 1935, in Ribera, Sicily. Pietro radiated love to everyone who had the privilege to know him. In every way, Pietro was a loving, loyal, hard-working, and sweet man. His laughter and smile were infectious, his spirit was lively, and his passion for life was contagious. He was quick to give you a smile, and even quicker to dance, whether it was to Italian music or Elvis Presley.

In 1963, after having met her just 53 days prior, Pietro married the love of his life, Lilla (Catalanotto), in their hometown in Sicily. Over the next 60 years of marriage, they cultivated a beautiful family filled with laughter, love, and pizzas. Pietro was not just a loving husband and father; but also an owner of Mamma Lilla's Pizza in Clinton, Wisconsin, which he ran with great pride along with his wife, and children. They retired in 2002 which was bittersweet for them, as they sincerely loved what they did and the town they were in, but they wanted to spend more time with their family. Pietro and Lilla have fond memories of their time in Clinton and all the people that welcomed them with open arms.

Pietro had a zest for life that was unrivaled. He loved to dance, a passion he shared with his children, grandchildren, and extended family. His charisma was on full display during family gatherings, where he would often be the life of the party, sharing stories, playing bags or yelling "Bravo!" at any of his grandchildren’s sporting events. His loyalty to his family was unwavering. What mattered most to Pietro was his family, and in them, he found his greatest joy and pride. As the Italian saying goes, "Famiglia è tutto" - "Family is everything."

Pietro is survived by his loving wife and best friend of 60 years, Lilla; his son, Vince (Christine) Cimino; his daughters, Carmelina (Kent) Korasick and Paolina Cimino; and his grandchildren, Peter (Mariel, & future great-grandson), Alexandra, Olivia and Sofia. Brother in law Frank (Maria) Catalanotto, and his cumpari Phil (Mary & Francesca) Borgia, as well as numerous extended Cimino family. He is preceded in death by his parents, Vincenzo and Paola Cimino and his siblings, Nicola Cimino, Francesco Cimino and Maria Cimino and his nieces and nephews, Frank Cimino, Vince Cimino, Nino Cimino, Frank Romano, Mimma Cimino and Paola Venezia.

We encourage friends and family to share their memories of Pietro and upload photos to the memorial page. Each story and picture shared will keep Pietro's memory alive in our hearts. We will remember him as a fun loving and young at heart man, who enriched our lives with his presence. While we mourn his passing, we also celebrate his life and the happiness he brought into all of ours. His legacy will continue to inspire us, and his spirit will forever remain in our hearts. Forever.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Vogel and his nurse Ronda of Beloit Hospital, as well as the staff at Heartland Hospice for their care and compassion, and to all of our family and friends who have been there for all of us during this difficult time. He loved you all.

A visitation will be held Saturday December 16, 2023 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in McCorkle Funeral Home - Rockton Chapel, 767 N. Blackhawk Blvd., Rockton, IL. A Funeral Mass will be held at 1:00 p.m., on Saturday, December 16, 2023 in St. Peter Catholic Church, 620 Blackhawk Blvd., South Beloit, IL with Fr. Romeo Pavino officiating. Burial in Floral Lawn Cemetery, South Beloit.