Paul J. Cerniglia Sr.'s Obituary
Paul J. Cerniglia, Sr., age 99, passed away Wednesday, September 19, 2018 in Muskegon. He was born June 21, 1919 in Rockford, IL to Salvatore and Mary (Manalli) Cerniglia. He served as a sergeant with the U.S. Army Air Corp 1941-45 and was injured in France during WWII. On July 15, 1945, he married the former Mary Ann Parlapiano in Rockford, IL and she preceded him in death on February 2, 2010. Paul worked 20 years as the General Manager for Abbell Bowling Center in Springfield. He was also the owner and operator of Southern Illinois Bowling and Recreation Center for 25 years. He was inducted into the State of Illinois Bowling Hall of Fame in 1984. Paul was a member of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in Muskegon and St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Rockford, IL. SURVIVORS include his children, Kathy O’Connell of Ellicottville, NY, Georgianna Cerniglia of Seattle, WA, Ted (Suellen) Cerniglia of Muskegon, Mary Martha Cerniglia of Ellicottville, NY; 10 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren; 1 sister, Frances Nelson of Virginia; and several nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by his son, PJ Cerniglia, Jr., his granddaughter, Emmy Cerniglia, his brothers, Jack and Joseph Cerniglia and his sisters, Angela Bidzinski and Rosalia Vascellero. VISITATION will be held 5-8 PM Thursday, September 27, 2018 at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Service, 6291 S. Harvey St., (231) 798-1100, where the Rosary will be prayed at 7:30 PM. MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL will be celebrated 11:00 AM Monday, October 1, 2018 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 1010 Ferguson St., Rockford, IL 61102. Visitation will also be held 1 hour prior to the Mass at St. Anthony. INTERMENT will take place at Calvary Cemetery. MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS may be directed to his granddaughter Sophia’s cause to help those struggling with Cystic Fibrosis through the Breathing Becomes Effortless Foundation, 6010 Hazekamp Ct., Muskegon, MI 49442, www.bbefoundation.com. Sign the guestbook online at www.sytsemafh.com
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