Emil Peter Tenuta, 101, of Kenosha, WI passed away on Tuesday, October 3, 2023, at Hospice House in Pleasant Prairie, WI.
Born in Kenosha on November 21, 1921, he was the son of the late Peter and Filomena (Sessa) Tenuta. A lifelong resident of Kenosha, he was educated in local schools.
Emil served in the US Air Corp. during WWII, from September 11, 1942, until his honorable discharge on January 31, 1946, as a Sgt. He received the American Theater Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal.
For six years, Emil and a childhood friend owned and operated Yankee Grill and Ice Cream Bar in Racine, WI. He then worked at Gerolmo’s Wholesale Liquor Co. as a liquor salesman for many years. He then went on to manage at Tenuta’s Town House before he and his brother went into business at Tenuta’s Restaurant on 56th Street and 22nd Avenue until they retired in 1981.
Emil was a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church, Holy Name Society of Mount Carmel, and the Italian American Men’s Society. He really enjoyed going to the racetrack to play the horses. Emil loved being invited to his niece Linda’s (Jack Anick deceased) house to enjoy family time and wonderful Italian food especially made to his liking – no butter, no cheese, no garlic.
Survivors include two sons, Frank Cal Tenuta (Michelle) of Sioux City, IA, and Pete Christopher Tenuta of Kenosha, WI; a brother, Ernie Tenuta of Kenosha, WI; two grandchildren, Mikeal and Adrianna; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
He was preceded in death by two brothers, Jack Tenuta and Frank T. Tenuta; sister, Carmella Rende; former wife, Patricia; daughter-in-law, Rhoda Tenuta; Brother-in-law Gene Rende and sisters-in-law, Jean Tenuta, Julia Tenuta, and Joyce Tenuta.
Visitation will take place on Monday, October 9, 2023, at Proko Funeral Home from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Prayers will be held on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church on Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. Entombment will follow at All Saints Mausoleum with full military honors.
