Ivo L. Garofalo, 95, of Kenosha, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 6, 2014, at his home. Born on June 25, 1918, in Rota Greca, Italy, he was the son of the late Domenico and Mary (Carelli) Garofalo. In 1946 he married Fern M. Gentile. They spent 67 loving years together. She preceded him in death on February 25, 2013. He served in the United States Army from September 22, 1941, until he was honorably discharged on May 31, 1945. He was awarded the ETO Ribbon, the American Defense Ribbon and Campaign Stars No. France and Germany. Ivo was the owner/operator of Advertising Specialty Distributor for many years. He was a member of St. Mark’s Catholic Church. He was very involved serving as an usher for many years. He served as President of the Kiwanis Breakfast Club of Kenosha, receiving many honors and awards. He was involved in many community activities. He proudly initiated a campaign to raise money and awareness for the original K-9 officers of the Kenosha Police Department. Ivo is survived by his two sons, Leonard of Kenosha and Tom (Michele Merante) of Stevenson Ranch, CA; six grandchildren, Stephen Garofalo of Mt. Pleasant, Michael Garofalo of Oak Creek, Daniel Garofalo of Somers, Jessica Garofalo Howes of California, Andi Garofalo of California and Christie Garofalo-Rodriguez of California; five great-grandchildren, Dominic and Carley Garofalo and Gabe Graczyk, all of Mt. Pleasant and Dylan and Chloe Garofalo of Somers; a sister, Lee Anders of Palacious, TX; and former, daughter-in-law, Linda Garofalo. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; a sister, Margaret Beatty; two brothers, Frank and Ernie Garofalo; and a daughter-in-law, Carol Garofalo. Prayers will be held from the Proko Funeral Home on Saturday, May 10th, at 8:30 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at St. Mark’s Catholic Church at 9:00 a.m. Interment will follow at St. George Cemetery with full military honors. Visitation will be held on Friday, May 9th, at Proko Funeral Home from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.Proko Funeral Home & Crematory5111-60th StreetKenosha, WI 53144Phone: (262) 654-3533Visit Ivo’s Online Memorial Book at:www.prokofuneralhome.com
Condolences
Mary Ochranek (Beatty)
May 7, 2014
We are so saddened to hear about Uncle Ivo. He was and will continue to be an inspiration to us all. Although we cannot be there in person to show our respect for him, our thoughts are with his family and friends. ~Brian and Mary Ochranek (Beatty) and family
Scott Beatty
May 7, 2014
I am so sorry to here about Uncle Ivo. He was a great Uncle and Brother to my mother Marge. Our deepest sympathy and prayers to all you (Lenny, Tommy and family) from all of our family.