Michael “Ace” Allegretti, beloved baker and owner of Allegretti’s Bakery in Norridge, has passed away at 74. Known for his Italian sweets, Ace remained dedicated to his bakery, Allegretti’s Bakery, located at 7717 W. Lawrence Avenue, until his last day. A staple for 64 years, the bakery draws locals with offerings like chocolate donuts, chocolate pound cake, and zeppole. Ace’s legacy continues as his family plans to maintain the bakery, a dream he started in Chicago post-World War II, where he served as a cook in the U.S. Army.
Ace, alongside his family, transformed the bakery into a neighborhood favorite for Italian treats such as cannoli, sfogliatelle, and pasticciotto. The bakery emphasizes fresh ingredients and excellent customer service, winning over many loyal patrons. “Mike was incredibly generous,” said his sister, Linda Ahern, appreciating his dedication not only to the bakery but also to people.
About 3,000 people expressed condolences on social media, and the Norridge Police Department is providing a police escort for his funeral rites, acknowledging the anticipated turnout. Ace, a nickname given by his father, was famous for his chocolate “crack” donuts. These were featured on the series Chicago Fire and WGN-TV’s Chicago’s Very Own. His sister recalls trying to reproduce their father’s recipes, often missing an ingredient intentionally left out by their father to protect them from being stolen. When they finally pieced them together, the bakery’s range expanded significantly, including cupcakes, apple slices, Italian cookies, and various breads. “The bakery will continue, perpetuating our father’s legacy,” Ahern mentioned.
Long-time customer Angela Vitale, who lived nearby, has cherished the bakery’s desserts for over 50 years. She hoped Ace’s cherished recipes remained with the family. Ace enriched their family experience, employing her son and granddaughter. A dear friend to her late husband Sal, Ace often shared espresso and meals with them. Angela reminisced about the authenticity of the bakery’s Palermo-style desserts. “To me, he was an artist with pastries and cakes,” Vitale expressed, recalling a wedding cake crafted for her daughter. Her granddaughter admired Ace as a kind figure, considering him like a grandfather.
Angela appreciated Ace’s thoughtful gestures during family occasions, recalling a delivery of pastries and pizza bread when her husband died. “He embraced my family as his own. His warmth and generosity were unmatched,” Angela said.
Ace had a soft spot for children, enjoying his role as Santa during Christmas or dressing as Zeppole the clown for kids’ events. Ahern recounted instances of his kindness towards her young daughter, ensuring joy and play for the children.
Angela often visited the bakery for fresh cannolis and treasured Ace’s warm greetings. “To us, he was kind and generous. I’ll miss him dearly,” Angela shared, imagining Ace reuniting with Sal over espresso and pastries.
The wake for Michael “Ace” Allegretti is planned for Tuesday, Aug. 11, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Cumberland Chapels (8300 W. Lawrence Avenue, Norridge), followed by his funeral mass on Wednesday, Aug. 12, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Eugene Catholic Church (7958 W. Foster Ave., Chicago).
Freelance reporter Elizabeth Owens-Schiele contributed to this tribute.
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