URGENT UPDATE: Frank Manzullo, the iconic owner of Manzullo’s Famous Italian Restaurant and a respected Rockford Township trustee, has died at the age of 83 while vacationing. His passing on February 28 has left the Rockford community mourning the loss of a beloved figure known for his dedication to both culinary excellence and community service.
Manzullo was not only a celebrated restaurateur but also a passionate advocate against littering, working tirelessly with organizations like Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful and spearheading the annual Great American Cleanup. His commitment to a clean community stemmed from lessons learned in his youth at his family’s Shady Mill Drive-In, where he was responsible for maintaining cleanliness. In a poignant 2014 column, he shared, “When they started the drive-in, they promised the neighbors there would be no litter, and it was my job to see that the promise was carried out.”
The restaurant he co-founded in 1964 became a local staple, operating for over 41 years until its closure on December 31, 2004. Manzullo’s culinary legacy and his relentless fight against littering made a lasting impact on the Rockford area, where he frequently expressed his frustration over those who disregarded cleanliness. “I call those who litter lazy!” he exclaimed in a 2015 guest column.
Manzullo’s contributions extended beyond his restaurant and community initiatives; he was also a U.S. Army veteran and an inventor, holding a patent for an “extended postal box holder.” His interests included collecting model cars and restoring antiques, showcasing a vibrant life filled with passion.
He is survived by his longtime companion, Judy Bufalo, his children, Mary Catherine Flynn and Frank A. Manzullo, III, as well as several grandchildren. His brother, former Republican U.S. Congressman Don Manzullo, also grieves his loss.
A funeral mass is scheduled for March 16 at 11 a.m. at St. Rita Catholic Church, preceded by visitation at 10 a.m.. Burial will follow at the New Milford Cemetery. Additionally, another visitation will take place on March 15 from 2 to 5 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, located at 1860 S. Mulford Road.
The Rockford community remembers Frank Manzullo not just for his culinary contributions, but for his unwavering commitment to making the area a better place. His legacy will undoubtedly inspire future generations to uphold the values he championed.
