Chicago's 'First Lady of Accordions' Anne Romagnoli Dies at Age 90

OAK LAWN, IL -- Chicago’s ‘First Lady of Accordions’ and nationally acclaimed authority on accordion manufacture and repair, Anne Romagnoli (Piatanesi), died Jan. 6 at age 90.

Mrs. Romagnoli was the long-time owner of the Italo American Accordion Manufacturing Company in Oak Lawn, widely known as the Midwest’s premiere new and used accordion company.

The company was located in Oak Lawn at 5510 W. 95th St. since 1996. Prior to that it was located in Gage Park. The company originated in Chicago’s Little Italy neighborhood on Taylor Street in the early 1900s and was the first accordion manufacturing company in the United States.

Mrs. Romagnoli’s father and uncles purchased the company in 1915. In it's prime, the accordion company manufactured over 25 accordion each week and quickly gained a reputation for its top quality accordions and fine craftsmanship, according to the company’s website.

Her husband, Giuseppe “Joe” Romagnoli, took over Italo American Accordion in the 1950s. Mr. Romagnoli was widely recognized as the last true accordion craftsman who could build an accordion by scratch. He ran the company until his death in 1994.

Mrs. Romagnoli was also the owner of Republic Music School of Chicago, which for years operated at 59th and Kedzie in Chicago. She was a talented musician who played by ear and was known to play the accordion at weddings and other family celebrations.

“She could play anything, and not just the Italian favorites. She could play any song you wanted,” her daughter Rosanne told Southwest Chicago Post. “My mother was a real character, no doubt. She loved life and definitely had her own way of doing things.”

Although the company no longer makes accordions, it imports new models from Castelfidardo, Italy, the world capital of accordion manufacturing, where the Romagnoli family has its roots.

Today, the company repairs different types of accordions, concertinas and related instruments, mostly for musicians playing in Mexican, Italian, Polish and German-style bands.

Italo-American will remain open for business in Oak Lawn, Rosanne Romagnoli said.

In addition to her daughter, Rosanne, Mrs. Romagnoli is survived by her daughter, Joanne (Miguel) Hernandez; grandchildren, John (Deanna) Rolence, Jason (Marlene) Rolence, Nikki Hernandez and Joel Hernandez; and great-grandchildren, John, Kayleigh, Hayden and Meadow Rolence. She was the dear friend of many.

Visitation and services for Anne Romagnoli are set for Wednesday, from 3 to 9 p.m., at Thompson and Kuenster Funeral Home, 5570 W. 95th St., Oak Lawn