Jake Cason – RPL's Local History

Cason, Maria

April 22, 2017March 22, 2019Lisa

Maria’s Italian Café restaurant est. 1933. Born 8/5/1888, Cupano, Italy (maiden Name: Carratto). Two sons: John E. (Jake) and Tony Cason. Came to Rockford 43 years ago married Tissiano Cason in Kankakee 1922. Member St, Anthony’s and Venetian Ladies Auxiliary

Source: Rockford Morning Star 5/22/1959

Cason, Carmella

April 22, 2017Lisa

Source: Rockford Register Star 9/18/2012

Cason, Anthony “Uncle Tony”

April 22, 2017Lisa

91, of Rockford, passed away in Provena St. Anne’s. Born April 17, 1915, the son of Tiss and Maria Cason, he married Marguerite Marconi in St. Anthony Church in 1938. Tony and his mother created and founded Maria’s Italian Café and Maria’s frozen foods. He owned The Music Box, Green Gables, Palm gardens, The Airport Restaurant and Nino’s Steakhouse. Tony played the trumpet in the Al’s Iowaianes Band and also for special services in the army, WWII. Member of St. Anthony Church. Predeceased by brother John (Jake), sisters Irene Cherichetti and Inez Vitale. Arrangements by Gasparini and Oliveri Funeral Home.

Source: Rockford Register Star 3/10/207

Owner of Maria’s [Restaurant] May Open New Restaurant – 2016

June 6, 2016Jan

Source: Rockford Register Star May 17, 2016

Maria’s – 1987

September 29, 2015Jan

Scalia Tribute Dinner – 1989

May 5, 2015Jan

Source: Sunday Register Star Dec. 3, 1989

Maria’s Italian Cafe

October 11, 2014Lisa

Maria’s Italian Café sign over the door “John and Joe’s Casa di Amici” began in 1924 out of back door of kitchen, restaurant opened in 1930’s run first by Maria Cason, then sons Tony and Jake now run by Jake’s widow Carmella, & sons Joe and John In 1940’s military personnel from Camp Grant dined in basement.