Luigi “Louie” Covelli, age 76 of Kenosha, was called home on Wednesday, April 5, 2017 at UHS - St. Catherine’s Hospital, and surrounded by the love of his family.

Born on January 23, 1941 in Marano Principato, Province of Cosenza, Italy, he was the son of the late Nunziato and Fortuna (Esposito) Covelli.

As many immigrants had, Luigi and his brother Elio traveled to this country alone by boat in 1955, to unite with his parents and siblings. He always remembered his homeland, and said that nothing smelled better than the flowers in Italy. Dancing was never his forte, but put a glass of wine and a microphone in his hand, he was at his happiest when singing to Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra.

In 1957, Luigi started his career in shoe repair. In 1975, he and his brother, Elio, purchased Elmwood Plaza Shoe Repair in Racine. In 1981, they purchased Uptown Shoe Repair in Kenosha. The Racine shop was eventually closed. Luigi proudly continued to run the Uptown Shoe Repair until the time of his passing.

On September 27, 1992, in Kenosha, he was united in marriage to Delores “Dee” Willems. From that point on, he affectionately was known as “Covelli”.

Luigi was a member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church, the Italian American Society and the Kenosha Moose Lodge. He was an avid White Sox fan, despite some trying to convert him to the Chicago Cubs, as well as a devoted Green Bay Packer fan.

Luigi is survived by his loving wife “Dee”; and his children, Dante (Dawn) Covelli, Lori Covelli; his step-children, Kim (Ray) Rowe, Randy (Michelle) Willems, Jodi Shores, Cindy Covelli; grandchildren, Kody, Jake, Christian, Kaitlyn, Tea, Morgan, River, Allie, Alexandria, Ava, Sophia, Rachel and Daniel; and great-grandchildren, Hunter and Jordyn.

Luigi is further survived by his three brothers, Mario Covelli, Aldo (Maria) Covelli, and Elio (Sue) Covelli, his three sisters, Irma Miceli, Valentina (Domenic) Molinaro, and Rose Vitaro; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Along with his parents, Luigi was preceded in death by two brothers, Francesco and Antonio Covelli, and his niece, Maria Miceli.

Luigi will forever be remembered for his thoughtfulness and his gentle soul. Anyone who met him immediately loved him for his good heart and genuine kindness. He brought a smile and great joy to everyone. Luigi was never happier than when he was spending time with his wife and his grandchildren. They, along with his family and friends, brought tremendous joy to his life. He will be dearly missed.

Luigi’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the physicians and staff of United Hospital System – St. Catherine’s Campus for the exceptional support and care they provided.

Service Info

Funeral services honoring Luigi’s life will be held on Tuesday, April 11, 2017. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church, 1919-54th St. Relatives and friends are asked to meet at the church for the Mass. Entombment will follow in All Saints Mausoleum.