Tony L. Arduini, 92 of Rock Falls, IL, died Tuesday March 4, 2014, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born on June 19, 1921, in Rock Falls, the son of Phillip and Antonette (Carrino) Arduini. He was a veteran of the Army in WW II, having served in the South Pacific. He married Bernice Foley in January 1949. She died May 1, 1969. He then married Arlene (Munson) Williamson on June 27, 1970.
He had worked as salesman at the former Bun Austin Chevrolet in Sterling, IL, for many years. Tony had served had served for over 61 years in public service: Justice of the Peace from 1953 – 1961; the Whiteside County Board from 1965 until present (during the period from 1990 – 2012 as Board Chairman.) He served on many boards including: Whiteside Co. Agricultural Extension Board, the Public Aid Committee, The Emergency Planning Committee, the Emergency Telephone System Board, Tri-County Opportunity Council, the Veterans Assistance Commission, the United Counties Council of Illinois (as President, Past President, and Treasurer of the Executive Committee for 15 years.) He was a member of St. Andrew Catholic Church and served for many years as an usher.
Survivors include his wife, Arlene; their children: Philip (Sharon) Arduini of Rock Falls, Barbara DeJonge of Rock Falls, Mary Kay (Ernie) Hernandez of Sterling, Tony (Karen) Arduini, Jr. of Cedar Rapids, IA, Greg (Gail) Arduini of Amboy, IL, Kathy (Bill) Milby of Rock Falls, Dave (Debra) Williamson of Tampa, FL, Cheryl (Doug) Harms of Rock Falls, Judy (Gary) Hall of Rock Falls, Rory (Teresa) Williamson of Tampa, FL, Mike Williamson of Rock Falls, Theresa (Terry) Fritz of Rock Falls, and Mary (Raymond) Burkholder of Green Bay, WI; 28 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Patricia Menchaca; granddaughter, Brianna Menchaca; two great-granddaughters, Sierra Hall and Brealynn Mendoza; six brothers, Paul, Jim, Ralph, Louis, Joe, and Angelo; two sisters, Sunday Pyse and Victoria Pierce.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 6, 2014, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Rock Falls, IL.
A Celebration of the Mass of Christian Burial will follow on Friday, March 7, 2014, at 10:30 a.m., in St. Andrew Catholic Church, Rock Falls, IL.
Burial with military honors will be at Calvary Cemetery, 800 block of Freeport Road, Sterling, IL.
Arrangements were made by McDonald Funeral Homes.