ROCHELLE — Gaetano Cassola 82, passed away at his home in Rochelle, surrounded by his family on Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017.
Gaetano was born June 5,1935 in Cinisi (Sicily, Italy). The eldest son of Joseph and Leanarda (Biundo) Cassola.
Early on, Gaetano trained with culinary experts in Palermo, Italy, and quickly became masterful and artistic at creating Italian pastries and celebrated Italian delicacies.
Gaetano served with the military in Italy before coming to the United States where he began creating elaborate wedding cakes and customary Italian pastries for the Ferrara Bakery in Chicago on Taylor Street.  While working there, he met his wife, Fortunata Rosa Covelli, whom he married on Oct. 28, 1962 in Chicago. They started a family, having two children, Joseph and Mary, and went on to create their own Salumeria in Chicago offering his art and design of food.
In 1977, Gaetano moved his wife and children to Rochelle where they established a new Salumeria, Naples Deli, which drew people in from all surrounding towns spanning into the Chicagoland area for 38 years. Naples Deli supported its community and catered to many important events.
Gaetano was known for being a very generous man who touched many and had a special connection with his family and friends. He enjoyed all aspects of the creative process and loved working in his garden, always sharing his plentiful crops with loved ones. He is a man of strength who’s words were always guiding and heartfelt. Gaetano is a man of integrity who will be greatly missed and never forgotten.
Gaetano is survived by his wife, Fortunata Rosa; daughter, Mary Cassola; and three siblings, Nicoletta Campanella, Leonardo Cassola and Josephine Cassola. 
In addition to his parents, Gaetano is preceded in death by his son, Joseph, and two brothers, Joseph and Vincenzo.

Visitation will be held at:
Unger Horner Funeral Home
400 N. 6th Street
Rochelle
Friday, Nov. 10, 2017
Beginning at 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Funeral Services will be held at:
St. Patrick’s Church,
236 Kelley Drive
Rochelle
Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017
Church visitation 12:30 to 1:15 p.m.
Funeral Service begins at 1:30 p.m.

Burial will follow service at St. Patrick’s Cemetary. Father Ruben Herrera will be officiating.
Visit www.ungerhorner.com to sign the online guest book.