Eugenio “Gino” DeBartolo, 85 years old of Kenosha, WI, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center, Milwaukee, WI.
He was born March 12, 1939, in Marano, Marchesato, Prov. of Cosenza, Italy, the son of the late Francesco and Assuntina (Conforti) DeBartolo. On June 13, 1964, Gino married Concetta “Connie” (Bosco) at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary of Pompeii Catholic Church, and they continued to raise their family in Kenosha.
Gino was employed by American Motor Corp for ten years, and while there, he began tailoring clothing out of his home. This led to the beginning of Gino’s Menswear in 1966, and another ten years later, he and Connie began Connie’s Collection For Her. Then in 1987, Gino and Connie opened LaSposa Bridal. They continued operating these prominent Kenosha businesses for over 50 years where they met and befriended countless members of the community.
Gino enjoyed various sports; he played golf, bocce ball, and bowled for many years. He was a member of several community organizations including the Jaycee’s, Roma Lodge, and the Italian American Society. In 2008, Gino was honored by the Italian Business and Professional Association for his efforts in developing and enhancing the image of the Italian Community. Gino loved going for walks, being a part of the Thursday Clubhouse Group, spending time in Florida, and cherished his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He greatly appreciated a good glass of wine, a good martini, and a good cigar.
Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Connie; children, Gina (Kelly) Weddel, Tony (Lisa) DeBartolo, Lora (Luigi) Caira, and Kathy (Scott) Bobeck; a sister Ersilia (Domenico) Casalena; a sister Connie (Aldo) Presta; eleven grandchildren, Melissa (Tom), Kyle (Emily), Hunter, Gino (Mercedez), Tony, Samantha, Gina, Janelle, Michael, Scottie and Joey; six great-grandchildren, Leila, Chase, Colton, Harper, Olivia, and Isabella; and several nieces, nephews; and extended family members.
In addition to his parents, Gino was preceded in death by his brother Ignazio (Ada) DeBartolo and sister Emma (Orlando) Bartello.
Gino’s family would like to extend their sincere appreciation and gratitude to Dr. Raaid Museitif and Dr. Peter Mariani for their extraordinary care of Gino.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at Proko Funeral Home. Prayers will be held at 9:15 a.m. on Friday, December 13, 2024, at the funeral home, followed by 10:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church, Kenosha, WI. Entombment will take place after the funeral mass in All Saints Mausoleum, Pleasant Prairie, WI.
