Antonio "Tony" Lizzi

Antonio "Tony" Lizzi, 100, of Elkhart, passed away Saturday, October 31, 2026 at home surrounded by family. He was born October 10, 1926 in Gerace, Italy to Ernesto Lizzi and Marzia Cataldo. On April 29,1956 he married the love of his life, Maria Cataldo in Italy.

Above all, he cherished his beloved wife, Maria Lizzi, with whom he shared 70 wonderful years of marriage. Together, they build a life filled with love, family and hard work, laughter, and countless memories. She was his partner through all of life's seasons, and their 70 years together were a testament to the love and devotion they shared. His family was the center of his world, and he was incredibly proud of the life they built together.

Antoino believed in hard work and spending time with family. He came to the United States with his wife and children in hopes to provide a better life for them. He worked in trailer factories and lawn care. Then in 1982 he opened Milano's pizza alongside his beloved wife which quickly became much more than just a place to enjoy a good meal. It became a gathering place for family and friends. A place where everyone was welcomed to have conversations, share a meal and enjoy one another's company.

Antoino found great joy in gardening and took tremendous pride in providing for his family and friends. His garden was more than just a place where he grew vegetables- it was something he loved to share with others. He enjoyed having people come and see what he had grown, proudly showing them his garden and sharing the fruit and vegetables he had worked so hard to grow. He never hesitated to give what he had to anyone who stopped by.

For him, the greatest reward was not simply watching his garden grow but knowing that something he nurtured with his own hands could bring happiness and nourishment to the people he loved. When he wasn't tending to his garden and pulling weeds, he could often be found enjoying a good game of cards. But some of his greatest joy came from simply having his family around him. He loved watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren come to visit and spend time with him. He especially enjoyed telling stories about his past, sharing memories of his past life and experiences, and keeping everyone entertained with the stories only he could tell. Whether they were sitting together, playing cards, talking or simply enjoying each other's company, those moments meant the world to him. His home was always a place where family was welcomed, and the memories he created with his grandchildren, and great-grandchildren will be treasured forever.

He leaves behind a lifetime of memories that will be treasured by everyone who loved him. From his garden to his table surrounded by family, he found joy in the simple things and in having the people he loved and cared for close by. His stories will continue to be told, his traditions will continue through his family, and his love will remain a part of each generation that follows. He may be no longer with us, but his presence will forever live on in our hearts and in the memories, we carry with us.

Surviving are his wife of 70 years, Maria; his children: Ernesto (Erica) Lizzi of Elkhart, IN, Silvana (Maurizio) Varacalli of Elkhart, IN., his grandchildren: Frank Varacalli. Alyssa Welch; Jessica Varacalli; Antonio Varacalli and Giada Lizzi; his great-grandchildren; Maurizio; Agostino; Concetta Varacalli; Rosa and Michel Welsh and his sisters-in-law Sarita Cataldo. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Giuseppina Lizzi and brothers Domenico, Mario, Pietro, Arturo, and Santo Lizz.

Visitation will be held from 5-7 pm on Tuesday, November 3, 2026 at Stemm-Lason-Peterson Funeral Home, 1531 Cobblestone Blvd., Elkhart, IN 46514. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11am on Wednesday, November 4, 2026 at St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church, 1108 South Main Street, Elkhart, IN 46516 with visitation one hour before mass at the church. Entombment will follow at Rice Cemetery in Elkhart, IN. Online condolences may be made to Tony’s family at www.stemmlawsonpeterson.com