Last Ride into the Sunset - In Memoriam
Tribute to Carmelo La Spina
For the second time in 30 days I have the regrettable distinction of reporting on the passing of one of our group. Carmelo La Spina. I don’t know the cause of death but I do understand Carm became ill while spending time in Italy and passed some time Saturday the 31st day of May. Steve Crowley notified me Saturday of Carm’s passing. Carm was a long time, passionate ALFA aficionado, past CAROC president and walking encyclopedia of ALFA history. Aside from being a talented architect he also coordinated our presentation of the 2008 AROC Convention.
As of this writing I have no information as to arrangements. Carm leaves behind; his mother Maria, wife Graziela, son Giuseppe, daughters Eliana and Maria as well as his brother, Salvatore.
Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers.
Dennis
(Posted 6/3/25)
For the second time in 30 days I have the regrettable distinction of reporting on the passing of one of our group. Carmelo La Spina. I don’t know the cause of death but I do understand Carm became ill while spending time in Italy and passed some time Saturday the 31st day of May. Steve Crowley notified me Saturday of Carm’s passing. Carm was a long time, passionate ALFA aficionado, past CAROC president and walking encyclopedia of ALFA history. Aside from being a talented architect he also coordinated our presentation of the 2008 AROC Convention.
As of this writing I have no information as to arrangements. Carm leaves behind; his mother Maria, wife Graziela, son Giuseppe, daughters Eliana and Maria as well as his brother, Salvatore.
Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers.
Dennis
(Posted 6/3/25)
Tribute to Robert Clauss
Robert W. Clauss, of Mount Prospect, Illinois was killed in an automobile accident on Sunday morning, May 18, 2025. He was 71.
Robert was born in Delran Township, New Jersey, on August 31, 1953. He attended Rutgers University, and after a stint in Michigan, moved to the Chicago area in 1987. He was formerly National Sales Manager at Randell Corp, but in 1997, he joined his wife’s business, Becky & Company, and later co-founded Crash Candles with her in a partnership that continued to his death.
Robert was a gentleman…and a gentle man. But he also possessed a traveler’s spirit, a boundless curiosity, and enormous energy which was channeled into diverse interests and nonprofit work over the years.
At Stillman Nature Center, Robert served as a board member and tireless volunteer. He had a special interest in raptors, having attended classes at the Illinois Raptor Camp in Decatur, and was especially drawn to Stillman’s peregrine falcon. He enjoyed conducting educational programs with the public and participated in bird banding efforts.
A lover of all animals, Robert was involved in rescue transports for dogs, cats, and the aforementioned raptors. If an animal needed help, he was your man! In addition, he volunteered, along with Becky, in trap-neuter-release programs and took in many cats over the years, both domesticated and feral, gaining their trust and nursing them back to health.
Robert was involved in many charitable activities. Most recently, his diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease (second only to Alzheimer’s among neurological disorders) represented a huge opportunity. Where other people might see a wall, Robert saw a door, and over the last two years he and Becky learned all they could about PD. By himself or with Becky, Robert participated in multiple Parkinson’s studies, enduring lumbar punctures and endless examinations in the furtherance of research that was unlikely to help him, but would benefit others in the future. He made many friends in his PD support group, friends who will no doubt miss his optimism and humor.
Robert’s work and restless spirit took him all over the world and the States, most recently to Alaska where he took in the Northern Lights and dogsledded with Becky and nephew Clayton Truman. He and Becky took their restored Airstream trailer to campsites near and far – sometimes on the spur of the moment. He was always up for a trip, especially when it involved racing and crewing cars and motorcycles with his son Ben. Together, they traveled to tracks from Road America to Daytona. At first, Robert’s efforts were confined to helping Ben in the pits, but soon he was pursuing his own racing credentials on Ben’s Triumph and soon after on his own TZ125, they continued to share their passion for motorcycle racing for many years.
Robert had a lifelong passion for automobiles of all kinds: acquiring them, restoring them, and driving them with other aficionados. Robert and Becky’s garage was always full of interesting vehicles – from his 1967 Vespa, Yamaha, BMW, and Honda motorcycles to Peugeots, Mercedes, and VWs. Especially beloved were his Alfa Romeos. He was a long-time member and past president of the Chicago Alfa Romeo Owners Club and had just attended a CAROC event the morning he died.
The son of Bob and Alice (Evering) Clauss (deceased), Robert is survived by his wife of 38 years, Rebecca J. Corzilius; two children, Benjamin Clauss (of Chicago) and Season Clauss; brothers Kurt (Gloria) Clauss and Jack (Nathy) Clauss; and sisters Carol (David Rosen) and Kris (Steve Bigwood); and numerous nieces and nephews. He will be sorely missed by his beloved animals, his family, and neighbors whose driveways he cleared, cars he jumped, and days he made brighter.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his name to the Michael J. Fox Foundation (michaeljfox.org) or Stillman Nature Center (stillmannc.org)
Celebration of life
Here is the official memorial invite his son Ben created. That’s their Airstream and van on the TV in the back.
June 24,2025 12 - 3PM
The Foxtail on the Lake
1177 Howard Ave, Des Plaines, IL 60018
If you think you might be coming let Becky know. I want to make sure we have enough food/drink etc… Becky Corzilius 847-712-1021
Robert W. Clauss, of Mount Prospect, Illinois was killed in an automobile accident on Sunday morning, May 18, 2025. He was 71.
Robert was born in Delran Township, New Jersey, on August 31, 1953. He attended Rutgers University, and after a stint in Michigan, moved to the Chicago area in 1987. He was formerly National Sales Manager at Randell Corp, but in 1997, he joined his wife’s business, Becky & Company, and later co-founded Crash Candles with her in a partnership that continued to his death.
At Stillman Nature Center, Robert served as a board member and tireless volunteer. He had a special interest in raptors, having attended classes at the Illinois Raptor Camp in Decatur, and was especially drawn to Stillman’s peregrine falcon. He enjoyed conducting educational programs with the public and participated in bird banding efforts.
A lover of all animals, Robert was involved in rescue transports for dogs, cats, and the aforementioned raptors. If an animal needed help, he was your man! In addition, he volunteered, along with Becky, in trap-neuter-release programs and took in many cats over the years, both domesticated and feral, gaining their trust and nursing them back to health.
Robert was involved in many charitable activities. Most recently, his diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease (second only to Alzheimer’s among neurological disorders) represented a huge opportunity. Where other people might see a wall, Robert saw a door, and over the last two years he and Becky learned all they could about PD. By himself or with Becky, Robert participated in multiple Parkinson’s studies, enduring lumbar punctures and endless examinations in the furtherance of research that was unlikely to help him, but would benefit others in the future. He made many friends in his PD support group, friends who will no doubt miss his optimism and humor.
Robert’s work and restless spirit took him all over the world and the States, most recently to Alaska where he took in the Northern Lights and dogsledded with Becky and nephew Clayton Truman. He and Becky took their restored Airstream trailer to campsites near and far – sometimes on the spur of the moment. He was always up for a trip, especially when it involved racing and crewing cars and motorcycles with his son Ben. Together, they traveled to tracks from Road America to Daytona. At first, Robert’s efforts were confined to helping Ben in the pits, but soon he was pursuing his own racing credentials on Ben’s Triumph and soon after on his own TZ125, they continued to share their passion for motorcycle racing for many years.
Robert had a lifelong passion for automobiles of all kinds: acquiring them, restoring them, and driving them with other aficionados. Robert and Becky’s garage was always full of interesting vehicles – from his 1967 Vespa, Yamaha, BMW, and Honda motorcycles to Peugeots, Mercedes, and VWs. Especially beloved were his Alfa Romeos. He was a long-time member and past president of the Chicago Alfa Romeo Owners Club and had just attended a CAROC event the morning he died.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his name to the Michael J. Fox Foundation (michaeljfox.org) or Stillman Nature Center (stillmannc.org)
Celebration of life
Here is the official memorial invite his son Ben created. That’s their Airstream and van on the TV in the back.
June 24,2025 12 - 3PM
The Foxtail on the Lake
1177 Howard Ave, Des Plaines, IL 60018
If you think you might be coming let Becky know. I want to make sure we have enough food/drink etc… Becky Corzilius 847-712-1021
Tribute to Al Promisco
Our good friend Al Promisco died last week. Al, the owner of Italia Automobili, was perhaps the most experienced active Alfa mechanic in the Chicago area. Al got his start with Alfa in 1968 when, as an 18-year-old, college freshman, he purchased a used 1962 Giulietta spider from Foreman Motors in Chicago. Although he really wanted a Jaguar XK120 or XK140, he was seduced by the sexy look and expectation of impressing women. When the Alfa needed repairs, Al found that the available mechanics were less than reliable and began doing work himself under the tutelage of John Morzos. Other members of the Alfa club, seeing Al’s expertise, suggested that he open a shop and repair Alfas full time. Thus began a life of deprivation and depravity.
Throughout his career, Al has owned over 100 Alfas – as many as 10 at one time. He seemed to particularly enjoy working on the 1950’s – 1960’s Alfa models. He owned many models over the years including Sprint Speciale
and Giulia Spider “Abnormale.” Perhaps his favorite was the 1750/2000 Berlina. He often lamented that he sold his last one many years ago. In the years since he began, he owned almost exclusively Alfas, favoring Berlina’s as daily drivers save for a few notable exceptions such as the XK140 Jag, the Morris Minor, the E-type, the Fiat Dino and the infamous Chevy wagon. He has owned some unique cars over the years including 2 Sprint Speciale, a Quattroute Zagato, a number of Giulietta Spiders and Sprints, and a 63 Giulietta Spider upgraded to Spider Veloce spec 101.18 spec in 1975.
A short story about Al will illustrate his standards. Some years ago Al donated several transmission internal pieces to the club for use as centerpieces for the annual banquet. At the end of the banquet, another guest asked if he could have some of the pieces to use for a rebuild he was doing. Al’s response was that as far as he was concerned the parts were headed for the trash bin anyway. His standards would not let him use marginal parts. That somewhat Teutonic sense made Al more difficult to deal with if you didn’t have similar standards.
Al’s failing was that he was meticulous in his work. He rebuilt the engine on my GTV, and I watched as he checked main bearing torques three times to ensure correct setting. He had definite opinions about the proper way to repair, and it was reflected in his attention to detail. No car left his shop until it met his high standards. As a consequence, he “suffered fools poorly” - particularly mechanics who did shoddy work and owners who tolerated such work or had no appreciation for the care, feeding and handling of special cars.
Upon first meeting Al, one would have thought him a curmudgeon of the first order. Once past the first impression, those he approved of, found him to be a good, caring, highly principled man.
Although a mechanic of considerable skill, he also possessed an encyclopedic knowledge of old movies (particularly horror films – He watched Svengoolie many Saturday nights and was doing his best to corrupt his grandchildren.) He also had a disgustingly extensive knowledge of particularly jazz and blues players and combos. He knew who played on what track, who went on to another combo, who had written what piece, etc.
His interest in history might have made him a superb teacher, as he could discuss at length historical happenings, how they occurred, what led up to the event, ramifications of the event, etc. It was impressive and intimidating all at the same time.
Al was an avid baseball fan. Having grown up near Wrigley Field during one of the Cubs’ long dry spells, he observed that the Reds were displaying the talent to win, and became a lifelong Reds fan.
He is survived by his wife Mara. He was concerned about the future his beloved children, Andrea, Matthew, Eric and grandchildren faced, finding behavior of some politicians and their supporters unfathomable. He did enjoy a spirited political discussion! He was a true and loyal friend to a fault. He was highly principled and honest. If you were counted among his friends, then you had a person who would support you regardless. I will personally miss our vigorous discussions of politics, music, history and life. Our lives are considerably diminished by his death. May his memory be a blessing to us.
Don Brubaker
(Posted 6/11/22)
Throughout his career, Al has owned over 100 Alfas – as many as 10 at one time. He seemed to particularly enjoy working on the 1950’s – 1960’s Alfa models. He owned many models over the years including Sprint Speciale
Al’s failing was that he was meticulous in his work. He rebuilt the engine on my GTV, and I watched as he checked main bearing torques three times to ensure correct setting. He had definite opinions about the proper way to repair, and it was reflected in his attention to detail. No car left his shop until it met his high standards. As a consequence, he “suffered fools poorly” - particularly mechanics who did shoddy work and owners who tolerated such work or had no appreciation for the care, feeding and handling of special cars.
Although a mechanic of considerable skill, he also possessed an encyclopedic knowledge of old movies (particularly horror films – He watched Svengoolie many Saturday nights and was doing his best to corrupt his grandchildren.) He also had a disgustingly extensive knowledge of particularly jazz and blues players and combos. He knew who played on what track, who went on to another combo, who had written what piece, etc.
His interest in history might have made him a superb teacher, as he could discuss at length historical happenings, how they occurred, what led up to the event, ramifications of the event, etc. It was impressive and intimidating all at the same time.
Al was an avid baseball fan. Having grown up near Wrigley Field during one of the Cubs’ long dry spells, he observed that the Reds were displaying the talent to win, and became a lifelong Reds fan.
He is survived by his wife Mara. He was concerned about the future his beloved children, Andrea, Matthew, Eric and grandchildren faced, finding behavior of some politicians and their supporters unfathomable. He did enjoy a spirited political discussion! He was a true and loyal friend to a fault. He was highly principled and honest. If you were counted among his friends, then you had a person who would support you regardless. I will personally miss our vigorous discussions of politics, music, history and life. Our lives are considerably diminished by his death. May his memory be a blessing to us.
Don Brubaker
(Posted 6/11/22)
Tribute to Eric Goldmann
It saddens us to announce that longtime CAROC member Eric Goldmann has passed away.
Eric started his love of cars with large displacement American muscle, but once Burt Levy showed him the advantages of light weight, great handling, high revving Italian sports cars, Eric was hooked forever. The two of them had countless adventures together, many of them written about in Burt's books like The Last Open Road.
Later, Eric teamed up with Loeber Motors friend Bob Dekoy where they campaigned Alfa Spiders in both Midwest Council and SCCA. With Eric's wrenching talents and Bob's "hot shoe", they were ultra successful for years.
After Eric left Loeber, he opened his own shop, AutoSport, on Division Street downtown. He maintained a loyal following for many years, working on mostly high end European sports cars (although he could be convinced to work on lowly Japanese SUV's if you were a close enough friend!)
Most recently, Eric took his talents to the Northshore where he opened Midwest AutoSport in Evanston. He continued his true love and passion for exotic machinery, and was known as the go-to guy for many many people.
A Celebration of Eric's Life was held by his family Saturday, May 8th at Moretti's Ristorante.
You will be missed daily my dear friend. Keep the revs up, eyes toward the apex and rest in peace.
Marco Battistoni
(Posted 5/5/21)
It saddens us to announce that longtime CAROC member Eric Goldmann has passed away.
Eric started his love of cars with large displacement American muscle, but once Burt Levy showed him the advantages of light weight, great handling, high revving Italian sports cars, Eric was hooked forever. The two of them had countless adventures together, many of them written about in Burt's books like The Last Open Road.
Later, Eric teamed up with Loeber Motors friend Bob Dekoy where they campaigned Alfa Spiders in both Midwest Council and SCCA. With Eric's wrenching talents and Bob's "hot shoe", they were ultra successful for years.
After Eric left Loeber, he opened his own shop, AutoSport, on Division Street downtown. He maintained a loyal following for many years, working on mostly high end European sports cars (although he could be convinced to work on lowly Japanese SUV's if you were a close enough friend!)
Most recently, Eric took his talents to the Northshore where he opened Midwest AutoSport in Evanston. He continued his true love and passion for exotic machinery, and was known as the go-to guy for many many people.
A Celebration of Eric's Life was held by his family Saturday, May 8th at Moretti's Ristorante.
You will be missed daily my dear friend. Keep the revs up, eyes toward the apex and rest in peace.
Marco Battistoni
(Posted 5/5/21)
Tributes to Rick Dunleavy
Brotherhood of the boattail. (Contributed by Steve Crowley)
Rick Dunleavy passed away on November 22, 2020. He had a stroke the week before that he was not able to come back from.
Rick was one of the first people I met in the club almost 35 years ago. He welcomed me in not as friend but as part of the family the club was at that time. He truly was that brother form another mother. He mentored me in the finer things in life, like the proper amount of toilet paper to stuff in the toilet sop that when you flush it the rest of the roll spins off and goes down the toilet. It would be sacrilegious today, but when you’re stuck in dive motel waiting of the track event the next day, you have to entertain yourself somehow.
Rick was never afraid to enjoy himself. He taught the finer points of his 1 hour from bottle to throttle lifestyle. So well, that when I quit drinking, my driving suffered. When he got his Duetto, we had the big bet at road America as to who would get the faster time. He did one lap and his motor let go. I spent the rest of the weekend trying to beat that time. He won the battle but lost the war. I wound up trailering his car home and he drove mine back from road America. When I was new letter editor, rick got engaged. I put an announcement in the newsletter. It must be true love, because she only has a one car garage. He said he read that, and a light went on in his head. What am I doing!?!?. Rick ended that relationship. He wound finding someone so perfectly matched that I got them boxing gloves for a wedding present. My money was always on Robin.
Although Rick did enjoy himself, he also worked as hard as he played. Always pitching in at events, if we need corner works, etch people or grid workers. Even if he just came up to spectate, if we were short people, he would step up. He knew what it took to put on an event and was always there to help. He was aware of how enjoyable it was to take your car out on the track and wanted others to enjoy it as well. If his car was unable to go out, I would always throw him the keys to mine. That just what you did for family. Whether it was an overzealous tour to New Glarus where your fuses blew and you had no headlights, or a trip to Maribel’s for just one more, he always made sure we got home. Sometimes in unexplainable fashion.
He sold his Duetto and the transport came to pick it up while Rick was in the hospital. I met them and help load it up. It was a multiple car box trailer and as the car rolled in there, it disappeared into the darkness. As I closed the garage up I saw his lite beer sitting there on his work bench. It was truly the end of an era. I’m not trying to make light of rick and his adventures, It just makes me smile when I think of him. I think that is truly the best tribute you can give to someone. When you think of them it brings a smile. Rick was that person. I can never think of him with out smiling. I hope it is the same for you. God speed my brother.
I am sorry to hear of Rick's passing. (Barb Carroll)
Wow. Unreal, and so sad. What a great picture that Steve painted. The last time that I saw Rick was at the Bonneville reunion a couple of years ago - Kreines, and now him? It’s just not right.
Becky remembers when we all did the Riverside (?) 4th of July parade in our Alfas many years ago. We met up at Rick & Robin’s house, and Rick got Will's stroller to take in the car for later. First, he had to empty out all of the beer bottles. “Oh, yeah,” Rick explained, “Robin and I always have a drink when we take Will for a walk”. Perfect. (Robert Clauss)
This truly saddens me, Rick was a great guy, always a smile on his face. So sorry to hear… (Marco Battistoni)
I'm stunned. He was way too young. Any time Rick showed up, he brought an added fun factor to whatever was happening. (Sandy Ganun)
So sad to get this news. I hadn't seen Rick in a while, and I understood he had been having health problems, but this was still so unexpected. He was always friendly and welcoming to me, as he was to everyone. I remember being up at Road America one year, not long after I joined the club and back when CAROC was still running our annual event there. I found myself alone at the Siebken's bar, figuring I'd have a beer and soak up the legendary atmosphere before heading back to the hotel for an early night. But my plans soon changed, as Rick and Craig Beilat joined me at my table even though I really didn't know either of them back then. There followed an entertaining evening full of stories and humor that I still recall fondly. Rick made me feel part of the Alfa family, just as Steve so movingly described.
I was going to conclude by saying rest in peace Rick, but I'm sure he will be living the next life to the full, just as he did this one. (Dave.Johnson)
Brotherhood of the boattail. (Contributed by Steve Crowley)
Rick Dunleavy passed away on November 22, 2020. He had a stroke the week before that he was not able to come back from.
Rick was one of the first people I met in the club almost 35 years ago. He welcomed me in not as friend but as part of the family the club was at that time. He truly was that brother form another mother. He mentored me in the finer things in life, like the proper amount of toilet paper to stuff in the toilet sop that when you flush it the rest of the roll spins off and goes down the toilet. It would be sacrilegious today, but when you’re stuck in dive motel waiting of the track event the next day, you have to entertain yourself somehow.
Rick was never afraid to enjoy himself. He taught the finer points of his 1 hour from bottle to throttle lifestyle. So well, that when I quit drinking, my driving suffered. When he got his Duetto, we had the big bet at road America as to who would get the faster time. He did one lap and his motor let go. I spent the rest of the weekend trying to beat that time. He won the battle but lost the war. I wound up trailering his car home and he drove mine back from road America. When I was new letter editor, rick got engaged. I put an announcement in the newsletter. It must be true love, because she only has a one car garage. He said he read that, and a light went on in his head. What am I doing!?!?. Rick ended that relationship. He wound finding someone so perfectly matched that I got them boxing gloves for a wedding present. My money was always on Robin.
Although Rick did enjoy himself, he also worked as hard as he played. Always pitching in at events, if we need corner works, etch people or grid workers. Even if he just came up to spectate, if we were short people, he would step up. He knew what it took to put on an event and was always there to help. He was aware of how enjoyable it was to take your car out on the track and wanted others to enjoy it as well. If his car was unable to go out, I would always throw him the keys to mine. That just what you did for family. Whether it was an overzealous tour to New Glarus where your fuses blew and you had no headlights, or a trip to Maribel’s for just one more, he always made sure we got home. Sometimes in unexplainable fashion.
He sold his Duetto and the transport came to pick it up while Rick was in the hospital. I met them and help load it up. It was a multiple car box trailer and as the car rolled in there, it disappeared into the darkness. As I closed the garage up I saw his lite beer sitting there on his work bench. It was truly the end of an era. I’m not trying to make light of rick and his adventures, It just makes me smile when I think of him. I think that is truly the best tribute you can give to someone. When you think of them it brings a smile. Rick was that person. I can never think of him with out smiling. I hope it is the same for you. God speed my brother.
I am sorry to hear of Rick's passing. (Barb Carroll)
Wow. Unreal, and so sad. What a great picture that Steve painted. The last time that I saw Rick was at the Bonneville reunion a couple of years ago - Kreines, and now him? It’s just not right.
Becky remembers when we all did the Riverside (?) 4th of July parade in our Alfas many years ago. We met up at Rick & Robin’s house, and Rick got Will's stroller to take in the car for later. First, he had to empty out all of the beer bottles. “Oh, yeah,” Rick explained, “Robin and I always have a drink when we take Will for a walk”. Perfect. (Robert Clauss)
This truly saddens me, Rick was a great guy, always a smile on his face. So sorry to hear… (Marco Battistoni)
I'm stunned. He was way too young. Any time Rick showed up, he brought an added fun factor to whatever was happening. (Sandy Ganun)
So sad to get this news. I hadn't seen Rick in a while, and I understood he had been having health problems, but this was still so unexpected. He was always friendly and welcoming to me, as he was to everyone. I remember being up at Road America one year, not long after I joined the club and back when CAROC was still running our annual event there. I found myself alone at the Siebken's bar, figuring I'd have a beer and soak up the legendary atmosphere before heading back to the hotel for an early night. But my plans soon changed, as Rick and Craig Beilat joined me at my table even though I really didn't know either of them back then. There followed an entertaining evening full of stories and humor that I still recall fondly. Rick made me feel part of the Alfa family, just as Steve so movingly described.
I was going to conclude by saying rest in peace Rick, but I'm sure he will be living the next life to the full, just as he did this one. (Dave.Johnson)