Alpino F. Prebianca

COAL CITY — Mr. Alpino F. "Fred" Prebianca, 89, of Coal City, passed away Tuesday July 28, 2009, at the Illinois Veteran’s Home in Manteno.

Born May 18, 1920, in Saint James, Mo., Mr. Alpino was a son of the late Emil and Albina Trettenero-Prebianca. He was raised and educated in Saint James and has been a resident of Coal City since 1983. Fred married Dora Flaim, who preceded him in death on May 20, 2001.

Mr. Alpino was a veteran of the United States Army Air Corp. He served during World War II, prior to being honorably discharged as a staff sergeant.

Fred was a member of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Roman Catholic Church in Coal City, as well as the Army Air Force Reunion. He was known for his love of fishing, hunting, gardening, photography and building birdhouses. Fred was also part of a very musical family and brought his children up to sing, play the guitar and dance.

Survivors include two children, Diane West of Long Beach, Calif., and Fred W. Prebianca of Goose Lake; three grandchildren, Anthony (Emani) West-Bey of Antioch, Calif., Freddie Ray Prebianca of Goose Lake and Tammy (Chuck) Rose of Rockford; 13 great-grandchildren; one sister, Rose Regonas of Oregon; three sisters-in-law, Ina Prebianca, Donna Prebianca and Lucille Prebianca, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Dora; four brothers, Eugene, Raymond, George, Jim; and one sister, Romelda.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 9:30 a.m. Monday Aug. 3, 2009, at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Roman Catholic Church, 245 South Kankakee St., in Coal City with Reverend Robert Noesen officiating. A memorial luncheon will immediately follow the Mass at Whistle Stop Café in Diamond.

Interment with full military honors will held at 2 p.m. Monday at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood. Friends and family wishing to attend the cemetery honors are asked to assemble at the cemetery welcome center by 1:45 p.m.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Fred’s memory to the church. Friends may sign the online guest book by logging onto www.ReevesFuneral.com.