Esther Savaglio

Esterina (Esther) Savaglio, 89, passed away peacefully on September 14, 2026, surrounded by her family. Esther was born on June 19, 1937, in Marano Principato, Italy, the daughter of Francesco and Virginia (Tenuta) Passarelli. In 1956, she immigrated to the United States and settled in Kenosha, where she built a life centered around family.

On September 19, 1959, Esther married the love of her life, Domenico Savaglio, at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church. Together, they raised three children.

Esther's greatest joy was her family. She was the kind of woman who always put her loved ones first and cherished every opportunity to spend time with them. Whether talking with her siblings every day, knitting slippers for her children and grandchildren, or attending every family party, Esther made sure her family knew how much they meant to her.

She had a special love for cooking, and Sunday dinners were among her favorite traditions. Often beginning at 2:00 in the afternoon, these gatherings brought the entire family together.

Esther was also an expert gardener. She grew an abundance of tomatoes that became ingredients in countless family recipes. She also grew herbs, which she carefully dried and shared with family members to use in their own kitchens.

Esther is survived by her son, John (Lisa) Savaglio; grandchildren, Nicholas, Marco and Matthew Miceli, and Domenic, Anna, and Dino Savaglio; son-in-law, Dr. Giuseppe Miceli; siblings, Rita Ruffolo and Giovanni (Rosetta) Passarelli; sisters-in-law, Carmela Passarelli and Rosalba Savaglio; and brother-in-law, Armando Covelli. She is further survived by nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents, Esther is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Domenico; son, Benedetto “Benny” Savaglio; daughter, Carolina Miceli; siblings, Rosina (Giuseppe) Pulice, Antonio Passarelli, Emil (MaryAnn) Passarelli, and Concetta (Francesco) Caira; siblings-in-law, Pietro Ruffolo, Teresa Covelli, Alfred Savaglio, and Lidia Savaglio; a niece; and two nephews.

The family would like to thank the staff at Brookside Care Center for all of their kind and compassionate care. They would also like to thank Gina Mangiaracina, who was a special caregiver to Esther and a family friend. The family also extends a special thank you to Tina Bonofiglio, a family friend who frequently visited and kept Esther company over the years.

Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 P.M. on Monday, September 21, 2026 at Proko Funeral Home. Morning prayers will be at 9:30 A.M on Tuesday September 22, 2026 at the funeral home. Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:00 A.M at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church, 1919 54th St. Followed by entombment at All Saints Cemetery.