Nicola Achille

Nicola Achille aged 89, passed away on July 30, 2024 at Lutheran General Hospital, Park Ridge.  Born on June 27, 1935, in Valenzano, Italy to the union of Giacomo and Filomena (Bombacigno) Achille, he moved to the United States at age 19.  After working in the baking business, he started his own bakery, Valenzano Baking Company, where he earned a reputation for being an exceptionally hard worker.  His pizza was Chicago-famous and his skills as a baker were unmatched. 

Nicola was generous to a fault and bought food in abundance so that absolutely everyone would have enough- and then some. He made sure no one ever went without.  He loved to make people laugh and  his sense of humor never failed to do so.  He was also an athlete, from bodybuilding in his younger days to cycling throughout his life.  Nicola was a enthusiastic carpenter, a talented gardener, and he had a keen eye for cars.  He absolutely loved to sing, with his rendition of “O Sole Mio” rivaling Pavarotti himself. 

Nicola is survived by his loving wife, Laura;  his children, Jack (Joanna), Dominick, and Mena; his grandchildren, Laura (Kamil) Kowalski, Amanda (Tom) Foster, Regina Achille (Andrew Baker), Nicholas Achille and Roseangela Achille (Brandon Vasquez); and his cherished great-grandchildren, Luke, Logan, Juliet, Eleanor, Emma, Juliana, Gianna, and James. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, cousin, brother, son and friend to all. He will be so missed. 

He was preceded in death by his loving parents, his sisters Angela (Joseph) Carnavale, Rocca (Leonardo) Leuzzi, Tony Achille, Rosa Achille and an infant son Giacomo. 

Visitation, Sunday, August 4th, 2024 from 4-8pm. At Cumberland Chapels 8300 W. Lawerence Ave. Norridge, Il 60706

Visitation, Monday, August 5th, 2024 from 10am. until time of funeral mass at 11am. At St. Zachary Parish, 567 W. Algonquin Road, Des Plaines, Illinois. Rev. Tony Bury, officiating.  Entombment following at All Saints Cemetery, Des Plaines, IL

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