Mr. Valentino A. Sarli's legacy is rich.  

People that never entered his store, knew the quality and unmatched flavor of "Sarli's Italian Sausage".   My wife would not have a big family gathering that did not require traveling from the far western burbs to get Sarli's Sausage.  Friends and family agreed "Sarli's Italian Sausage is the best".  

After the store was gone, and the subject of Italian sausage would come up, we always told how great Sarli's was. 

We have been in northwest Wisconsin for ten years now, still suffering from "Sarli's" withdrawal. So, with the holidays rolling around again, I thought to check the web, hoping the business had relocated and we had failed to find it.  Instead I found the sad news of your loss.

Our hope is that it will be comforting for you to know the story of Sarli's Italian Sausage is still being told far and wide, like a legend.  That is a measure of great respect for the man and a tribute to his product. 

Respectfully yours,
Walter Albecker
(Harper High 1952)

Dear Rudy,

I can’t begin to tell you how your service affected me.  At this point I wish I was a storyteller like yourself, I want to make this humorous and not mushy because I think that is what you would want.  But mushy it will be ;)

I title this letter “no regrets” because that is what I felt during your wake and funeral.  I can’t remember experiencing a service like yours.  Everyone in attendance knew and felt the same thing, you lived your live with such respect and honor that it resonated in the air the night of your service and the day of your funeral.  Your wife, children and grand children are evidence of this.  Their poise showed such a respect to you that it was overwhelming.  How proud you must be. 

How do I take what I learned from your family to my family and my everyday life?  Like most of your family and friends, I wish I had that one more conversation with you to get your advice, but know that I have taken your love, responsibility, respect and humor to heart and hope to pass along to my children.

You are a special man and I am honored to have had the pleasure of knowing you.

Love Always,
Breeda

PS…Thank you for giving me the gift of Rosemarie.  I owe you big time ;-)

Dear Papa,

It is so hard to say good bye because I was not prepared to lose you.  I want to thank you so much for all your love throughout the years.  I have so many beautiful memories of you.  You taught me how to love, laugh and have a deep compassion for life.  Everytime I think of you it brings a smile to my face.  You were everything to so many people especially your family.  Having you as my father makes me feel proud.  I was truly a daddy's girl.  I grew up in a warm and loving household and we had a lot of fun times together.  We were a happy family and I will hold on to that forever.  You set the example to all of us with your tender ways and gentle nature.  You never held a grudge or had a mean bone in your body.  You always made time for your loved ones.  You taught me how to love deeply and care about others.  I remember how you protected me as a child and how I could do no wrong in your eyes.  You spoiled me with so much love and I appreciate all that you've done for me. You knew how to make people feel good about themselves with your beautiful personality. I wish we could turn back time.

Mom is having a very hard time so we need to be there for her and help her cope.  She was married to you for 63 wonderful years so this is not easy for her.  Your loss has been devasting for all of us but GOD was calling you.  I know you will watch over all of us and someday we will meet again in heaven, but not yet.  I wish I could have said more to you but I will continue to talk to you now that you are with the lord.  You truly were an amazing, wonderful, beautiful father and person and I am blessed to be your daughter. THANK YOU! You are in my heart forever!  I love you! XO

Papa,

I love you so much and miss you already.  I wish you were still here, but since you can't be, I want you to know how special you are to your entire family.  You set the bar very high for all of us to attempt to follow in your footsteps with regard to the warmth and generosity that you showed for your friends and family.  If I can be half as kind as you one day, I would consider it an accomplishment.

I wish I would have had the opportunity to know you as more than just a grandfather.  You played such a significant role in so many people's lives as a son, a brother, an uncle, a father, a husband, an in-law, a co-worker, and a friend.  It was never so apparent to me how many people you shared your love with as it was this past weekend, when I saw so many people come out to say goodbye to you.

I just want you to know that even though you are no longer with us physically, your legacy lives on through your family.  You passed down your morals and values to both your children and grandchildren. I consider this to be quite an honor to have bestowed upon me and intend to someday to pass down part of you to my children.

You left a footprint within your family, and nothing can ever take that away.

I consider myself very lucky to have been a part of your life and want you to know that you will always continue to be a part of mine.

I love you papa.

Dear Cousin Vinnie & Family,
I send my condolences to all of you.  
Rudy will always be remembered as the great man & butcher, especially his recipe for sausage, along with an endearing sense of humor.  
Our Family always enjoyed visiting you and your wonderful family along with your gracious hospitality.  
Rudy lives on in all our hearts and memories as to what a family really stands for and represents.  I know, that is what I think of when I think of Cousin Rudy.  
My prayers are here for you always, and I am sure Rudy is not alone, he has just joined the whole family that have gone before us making them all continue to laugh of course, with God.  

All My Love, Your Cousin,
Carl Leonard Hajik

I would like to express my condolence to the Sarli Family. May God continue to give you strength during this time. God Bless!

I am really sorry for your loss, Nunzia.  Know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Vinny,
 Know that I am thinking of you, praying for you, and keeping your husband in my prayers. We in the volunteer office were so saddened to hear the news about his passing. Having experienced this myself, time and prayer will heal. Be sure and take that time..Mary Jo

To The Sarli Family,
We are sorry to hear of your great loss.  Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.  We send you LOVE. Rich and Sally Paeglow

Dear Nunz & Family,
I am so very sorry for your loss.  I know how u feel and Im sure he had to have been an awesome Dad to have such a fantastic daughter like you.  I know u will have sweet dreams of him soon.  You are in my thoughts and prayers.
love Sheri Dressler

Papa Rudy you will be missed dearly by everyone , you were loved by so many. May you rest in peace and know you will be missed but you've created so many memories for us to hold on to. Love you!

The Sarli Family,

Rudy is to be remembered for his famous sausage and meat business where everyone went to him for the best sausage in the entire Chicagoland area. Rudy was very proud of his business and greeted everyone with a smile , the Sarli way.  We all know Rudy for his one liners, jokes, and for playing checkers, the Sarli way. Most of all Rudy was a great family man and was loved by everyone.  My parents loved Rudy and now he joins them up in heaven. Rudy, you will always be remembered and in our hearts. We send our condolences to the entire family.

Love,
Ralph & Julie Hajik

Dear Auntie and family,
I have so many memories growing up and visiting the Sarli family as a child. I'm so glad I was able to come to Chicago see everyone this summer and especially for my daughter to meet uncle. We both have pictures and memories in our heart.

Vinny,Rosemary,Nunzia,Val & Guy

We were very saddened by the news of Rudy's passing,we send our condolences to your entire family.
We can't say enough about what Rudy meant to our family.My mom & dad would never have a BBQ at their house without first stopping at Rudy's store for some sausage and other goodies.Rudy,my dad,uncle Pete Santangelo and Attilio Stazzone loved to talk old war stories when we all met at someones house.There are many great memories of Rudy that I will never forget.

Dear Vinny and Cousins, 
Every moment we've shared with your famiy - from childhood until today -  has been memorable and a great joy. Rudy always was - and always will remain - alive in our hearts and  memories.

I light this candle for your entire family. Rudy will always remain your eternal light. My heartfelt love is extended towards each of you during this time of mourning.

I cannnot say these words in person as i know i will lose my compsure. I have known Rudy for 65 yrs. When I was a kid and had nothing he treated me many times to the Cardinals and bears footbal games . He would give you his last dollar if he felt you needed it more than he . He was always concerned for others and there to help. He told me many stories of his WW2 experiences but i know there was more that he never spoke of . A happy guy who kept his worries to himself .
I loved you like my brother ! God Bless YOU RUDY ! Brother in law . Mike

Dear Vinny and the entire Sarli family,

My deepest condolences to all of you on Rudy's passing.
I will always have fond memories of the checkers and pinochle games we played.  He was a good man with a good heart and an infectious laugh.  He leaves a great legacy in his children and grandchildren.

Sarli Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Our family has wonderful memories of Sarli's meat market on 69th St.  May all of your happy memories get you through the difficult times.
Betty Tortorello

DEAREST UNCLE MY MOM WILL MISS YOU MORE THAN YOU WILL EVER KNOW. i HAVE NEVER SEEN MY MOM CRY FOR SUCH A GREAT LOSS OF SUCH A GREAT GUY.WE AS A FAMILY WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER THOSE FREE OLD FASHION HOTDOGS AS A KID AT YOUR STORE,AND THE BEST SAUSAGE THAT TO THIS DAY I CANT EVEN MATCH TO COMPARE ANYWHERE.YOU GAVE ALOT,ALWAYS KICKED MY BUT IN CHECKERS,AND ALWAYS WERE A LAUGH AT ANY FAMILY EVENT.YOU WILL BE MISSED DEARLY.FROM MY MOM "SABINA" GOOD-BYE,I LOVE YOU,AND WILL MISS YOU AND YOUR SMILE FOREVER,THE WORLD WILL NEVER BE THE SAME WITH OUT YOU BEING HERE.MICHAEL BUSCH AND FAMILY.GINA ACKER AND FAMILY TEXAS USA.

Nunzia and family- I'm so very sorry about your dad. I have great memories of going to 69th Street with my mom on Saturday's and stopping in Sarli's Meat Market for the best Italian Sausage. Rudy you will be dearly missed.

Dear Vinny and Family,
 We are sorry for the loss of such a kind,loving and generous man.We have the fondest memories of time spent at your home through our years in Chicago.
The Sarli's always welcomed us into their home and sitting around the table and listening to Rudy's stories was the highlight of our return trips.He is in our hearts forever.All our love,Carmie and Frank Mello

Dear Vinny and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during these difficult times.  The memories of Papa Rudy will live on in our hearts forever.  He was an inspiration to all of us....from his war stories,silly jokes to his famous Sarli sausage!  His spirit will live on in our hearts forever!  God bless all of you!  
I love you!
Karen Conroy Swintek

Dear Vinny and Family:
   So sorry to hear Rudy has passed away. Great memories remain of the happy, loving man that he was. One cannot forget the fun times in Pullman, Mi. with you, as well as the weekend in Door County, or how he brightened the workplace at Russo's.  He (and you) are very special, and have left a great legacy to your children, and all who have in any way been fortunate enough to know Rudy.  Our prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.
           Camille and Fred Clavio

To the entire Sarli Family- We are so sorry for the loss of your husband/father. We will always remember Rudy's great sense of humor. His laughter and devotion to the family will be missed. He and grandpa (Pete) were quite a pair adding fun to family get-togethers. The card games with Dad (Attilio) and great- grandma (Frances) were entertaining. He was a one-of-a-kind treasure that can never be replaced. 
Michelina & Frances Stazzone

Rudy my brother-in-law since I was 8 yrs. old -  flower girl for you and  Vinny  - has been my buddy and "Dad" always looking out for me...the best dancer on the southside per Elke Sommers - the best Italian sausage king -  unbeat checkers champ -always fun with his super corny jokes - so proud of his service in WW2 ARMY marched France into freedom - sharing his chocolates - cigs and handsome looks!  He repeatedly talked of how much he loved and respected his "little" momma and his forever sweetheart Vinny.  A  special father who has great kids and a loving Poppa to their children - A good man loved by many who is always in my heart .  Miss and lov ya Rudy.(:your baby sister-in-law Margherita - Mz Marge.XXXX

Vinny, Val, Guy, Nunzia and Rosemarie, so sorry to hear the news.  So many wonderful memories growing up of the family getting together at your place or some other relative's house .  Always a treat to head over to "Cousin Rudy's" to pick up some sausage, meat, bread, etc...

Rudy was the absolute best.  Always with a joke, funny story, smile and a good laugh.  A genuine great guy.  Rudy and his humor, generousity and love will be greatly missed but never, ever forgotten.  He was truly one of a kind.  I know our entire family are better people for having had Rudy and all you guys in our lives.  We love you all!

Nunzia and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you.  I wish you peace.

Nunzia and family, 
So sorry to hear of your loss. Please accept my condolences...In our prayers

Dear Nunzia and Family, My deepest sympathies are extended to all of you. I wish I would have known him. I am sure he was a lot like you, selfless and kind. God Bless him, your mom, and all of the family and friends. You're all in my prayers. Love, Eva

Dear Nunzia,

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I'm so sorry for your loss. Sending you a big hug! - Heather Rimstidt

 Nunzia,so sorry to hear of your loss. Prayers to you and your family. The Munao Family

Dear Nunzia and family,
I am sorry for your loss.  You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
With sympathy,
Mary and Mark Kolar

Dear Nunzia,
I am so very sorry to hear about your father.  My heart goes out to you and your family at this most difficult time.
With Heartfelt Sympathy,
Paula Bischoffer

Nunzia, this brings tears to my eyes since I recently experienced this myself so I can imagine how you feel.  But we all have different feelings and emotions and experiences so they may not be the same.  I just want you to know that I am feeling for you in this very sad time.  You are such a lovely lady.   Diana Davis

Nunzia I was so sorry to hear about your loss. Please accept my deepest sympathy...Marlene Aprati

Dear Nunzia and family,
So very, very sorry for your loss. May all your memories give you comfort.
Thinking of you at this sad time.
Love, Arlene C.

Nunzia and family,

Our prayers and thoughts are with you.

Laura Pera and Family

OBITUARY

Valentino Anthony Sarli

January 27, 1922 – October 28, 2010

Blake-Lamb Funeral Home

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