Remembering Michael “Ace” Allegretti and His Legacy

Michael “Ace” Allegretti, the beloved baker of Allegretti’s Bakery in Norridge, passed away last week at the age of 74. Known for his Italian delicacies and generous spirit, Ace was a fixture in the community. He worked tirelessly at the bakery located at 7717 W. Lawrence Avenue until his last day. For 64 years, this bakery has been a go-to spot for residents in search of chocolate donuts, chocolate pound cake, and zeppole.

The Allegretti family plans to continue running the bakery, upholding the legacy Ace’s father began after World War II when he started the business in Chicago. Ace and his family have always prioritized using fresh ingredients and delivering excellent customer service. His sister, Linda Ahern, remembers him as the most generous person, deeply committed to the bakery and its patrons. Her sentiment is echoed by the outpouring of support from the community, with over 3,000 condolences shared on social media.

The Norridge Police Department is also assisting, ensuring a smooth funeral process with support for directing traffic due to the expected large attendance. Ace’s chocolates, famously known as “crack” donuts for their addictive quality, gained recognition by appearing in the television series Chicago Fire and on WGN-TV’s Chicago’s Very Own. These, along with many other Italian favorites, made up the bakery’s offerings.

Ahern shared fond memories of baking with her brother, who had a knack for replicating their father’s recipes despite intentional omissions. Ace’s father often left out an ingredient, making them puzzle over recipes to get them just right. Once they succeeded, the variety expanded to include not only donuts but also cupcakes, apple slices, Italian cookies, and more, ensuring the bakery’s prosperity for years to come.

Angela Vitale, a long-time customer and neighbor, expressed her hopes that Ace hadn’t taken his secrets with him. For over 50 years, her family enjoyed Allegretti’s exquisite pastries, and with pride, she recalled how her son and granddaughter worked there. To Angela, Ace was akin to an artist, especially when he crafted a detailed cake for her daughter’s wedding. Her granddaughter viewed Ace as a nonno, or grandfather, appreciating his kind and generous nature, often including him in family meals.

Ace’s kindness extended to the community’s children, as well. He often dressed as Santa Claus during Christmas or as Zeppole the clown for birthdays, sharing joy through these interactions. Ahern remembered how he promptly responded to his niece being refused by a neighbor, gifting her a swingset the same day.

Vitale recently stopped by the bakery to express her gratitude, recalling Ace’s amiable habit of checking in on his customers. “To us, he had a big heart, very warm, very caring, and very generous. That’s how I’ll remember him,” she said. “I’m going to miss Ace, but he went to join his buddy, Sal, and they’re probably having an espresso and a cannoli right now.”

Services for Michael “Ace” Allegretti will be held starting with a wake on Tuesday, Aug. 11, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Cumberland Chapels in Norridge. The funeral mass is set for Wednesday, Aug. 12, at St. Eugene Catholic Church in Chicago.