Rockford’s Frank Manzullo, Beloved Restaurateur, Passes Away at 83

URGENT UPDATE: Frank Manzullo, the beloved owner of Manzullo’s Famous Italian Restaurant in New Milford, has died at the age of 83. He passed away on February 28 while vacationing, leaving a legacy of community service and culinary excellence that spanned over four decades.

Manzullo, who was also a dedicated township trustee, was renowned for his passionate advocacy against littering, collaborating closely with Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful to spearhead the Great American Cleanup. His commitment to beautifying the Rockford area was deeply personal, rooted in lessons learned during his childhood working in his family’s drive-in restaurant.

In a poignant guest column from 2014, Manzullo reflected on his upbringing, stating, “

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.

” This philosophy shaped his lifelong mission to keep local streets clean, which he viewed as a reflection of community pride.

Manzullo’s legacy as a restaurateur began in 1964 when he transformed his family home into a cozy 14-table eatery. Together with his wife, Mary Ann, they managed the restaurant until their retirement on December 31, 2004. His culinary skills and welcoming personality made the restaurant a local favorite for generations.

His deep-rooted love for the community was evident in his fierce opposition to littering. In another guest column from 2015, he expressed his frustration, saying, “

Normally I’m a pretty calm guy… But this spring I’m angry! I’m upset because while so many people are trying hard to give this city a shot in the arm and improve our ratings, we’re confronted with those who use the streets for a dump.

”

Beyond his restaurant, Frank Manzullo was a U.S. Army veteran and an inventor, holding a patent for an “extended postal box holder.” He enjoyed running an online antique business and was an avid collector of model cars, embodying a spirit of creativity and resourcefulness.

Manzullo is survived by his longtime companion, Judy Bufalo, his children Mary Catherine Flynn and Frank A. Manzullo, III, grandchildren, and his brother, former Congressman Don Manzullo. His passing marks a significant loss for the Rockford community.

A funeral mass is scheduled for March 16, 2024, at 11 a.m. at St. Rita Catholic Church, with a visitation beginning at 10 a.m.. Burial will follow at New Milford Cemetery. Another opportunity to pay respects will be available on March 15 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel.

As the community mourns his passing, Frank Manzullo’s impact will be felt for years to come, reminding all of the power of dedication, service, and love for one’s hometown.