Aldo Tognarelli

Aldo Tognarelli, age 101, of Highland Park, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, in Lake Forest, Illinois.

Aldo was born on January 28, 1923, in Piandelagotti, Modena, Italy, to Domenico and Giulia (Zanotti) Tognarelli. As the only child in his family, Aldo was raised in Piandelagotti, a small village nestled in the mountains of Modena, Italy, where he developed a deep connection to his heritage, his family, and the land. In 1940, during World War II, Aldo was inducted into the Italian Army and served in an elite Alpine unit. His military service took a harrowing turn when he was captured by German forces and became a prisoner of war for two years. During his time in captivity, Aldo endured severe hardships and subsisted on a meager diet of beets, carrots, and potatoes—foods he would refuse to eat for the rest of his life.

After the war, Aldo returned to Piandelagotti, where on April 17, 1947, he married the love of his life, Angelina Bulgarelli. The two recently celebrated 77 years of marriage, a testament to their enduring love and partnership. In October of 1955, Aldo and Angelina made the brave decision to immigrate to the United States, settling first in New York City. There, they worked as tailors in a sweat shop, crafting high-quality work together. But, in search of new opportunities, the young couple moved to Highland Park just seven months later.

In Highland Park, Aldo found a steady job at Strike and Spare Bowling Lanes, where he worked for many years in maintenance, resurfacing lanes and ensuring the facility’s smooth operation. He later transitioned to work with DBA Products in Deerfield, which eventually moved to Lake Bluff. There, Aldo became a key contributor to the development of coatings for a wide range of products, including golf and bowling equipment, and other sporting goods. He retired in 1996, after a long and successful career, but continued to remain an active and involved member of his community and family.

Aldo was a private man, known for his thoughtfulness, his quiet reflection, and his innate practicality. He had a sharp mind and a keen eye for detail, always able to fix or repair things around the house. An avid woodworker, Aldo crafted countless items by hand, including clocks, tables, and chairs, many of which are cherished by his family today. Whether it was a home repair, a custom-made piece of furniture, or a solution to a problem that no one else could fix, Aldo’s ingenuity and resourcefulness left an indelible mark on the lives of those who knew him.

Aldo’s family was his greatest pride and joy. He is survived by his loving wife, Angelina, as well as five devoted children: Silvana (Joseph) Pieracci of Lincolnshire, Gilbert (Mary) Tognarelli of Vernon Hills, Gisella (Luciano) Lamberti of Deerfield, Maury (Dina) Tognarelli of Chicago, and Robert Tognarelli (Courtney Maher) of Fountain Hills, AZ. He will also be missed by his 11 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandson, all of whom were touched by his wisdom, kindness, and love.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2024, from 10:30 to 11:30 AM at Seguin & Symonds Funeral Home, 858 Sheridan Road, Highwood. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 12:00 Noon at the Church of Saint Mary, 175 East Illinois Road, Lake Forest. Entombment will take place at Ascension Cemetery, 1920 Buckley Road, Libertyville, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the National PKU Alliance, 1802 Vernon Street, NW, BMB 2389, Washington, DC 20009, or online at www.npkua.org, in honor of Aldo's enduring legacy of compassion and care for others.

Aldo’s legacy of love, resilience, and craftsmanship will live on in the hearts of his family and all who had the privilege of knowing him. He was a man who, though quiet in his ways, made a profound impact on the world around him. Rest in peace, Aldo. You will be deeply missed, but your memory will forever be cherished by those who loved you.

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