Remembering Michael “Ace” Allegretti: A Legacy of Sweetness and Generosity

Michael “Ace” Allegretti, the beloved baker behind Allegretti’s Bakery in Norridge, passed away last week at the age of 74. Despite his passing, his legacy lives on through his renowned Italian pastries and his warm spirit. Allegretti’s Bakery, located at 7717 W. Lawrence Avenue, has been a cherished spot for 64 years among locals seeking delights like chocolate donuts, chocolate pound cake, and zeppole.

Committed to continuing his legacy, the Allegretti family plans to keep the bakery running. Ace’s father started the bakery in Chicago after World War II, where he had served as a cook in the U.S. Army. Ace worked tirelessly alongside his family, crafting Italian favorites including cannoli, sfogliatelle, pasticciotto, baba rum, and a variety of cakes. The family remains dedicated to using fresh ingredients and maintaining excellent customer service.

“Mike was the most generous person in the world,” shared his sister, Linda Ahern. “His dedication was unparalleled, and he cherished the community around him.”

More than 3,000 people expressed their condolences on social media, and the Norridge Police Department promised to provide a police escort at his funeral services to manage the anticipated attendance.

Ace, affectionately nicknamed by his father, was best known for his addictive chocolate “crack” donuts, highlighted in the television series Chicago Fire and on WGN-TV’s Chicago’s Very Own. His sister recalls with affection their attempts to master their father’s recipes, often missing an ingredient intentionally left out as a safeguard. This perseverance resulted in a wide array of offerings at the bakery like cupcakes, apple slices, Italian cookies, and much more.

“The bakery will continue,” Ahern affirmed, hoping that future generations will uphold their father’s legacy. Long-time customer Angela Vitale, who has frequented the bakery for over 50 years, echoes the impact Ace had on her family and community. Her family shared fond memories with Ace, who catered to many special occasions, demonstrating his generous nature.

“He’s like an artist to me, creating pastries and cakes,” Vitale noted, recalling how he made a detailed cake for her daughter’s wedding.

Ace’s kindness extended beyond the bakery. Without children of his own, he enjoyed bringing joy to others during holidays and celebrations, often dressing as Santa or a clown named Zeppole, after a favored pastry. Ahern recounts a touching story of Ace gifting a swing set to her daughter when other options were unavailable.

Vitale fondly remembers Ace for always taking time to connect with his customers personally. “To us, he had a big heart, very warm, very caring, and very generous. That’s how I’ll remember him,” she said.

Ace’s wake is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 11, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Cumberland Chapels in Norridge. The funeral mass will occur on Wednesday, Aug. 12, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Eugene Catholic Church in Chicago.