Deacon Joseph J. Pepitone
Deacon Joseph J. Pepitone
Deacon Joseph “Joe” Pepitone of Western Springs, Illinois passed away peacefully on January 11, 2023, at the age of 81. He was born in Chicago on October 21, 1941, to Rose Darks and Leo Pepitone.
He is survived by his cherished wife, Mary, to whom he had been married for 58 wonderful years; his sisters, Ann Donatello and Francine (Steve) Erenburg; his brother, John (Anne Marie) Pepitone; and devoted father to his loving children, Melissa (Peter) Glimco, Joseph (Lauren) Pepitone and Anthony (Natalie) Pepitone. Joe was the proud Poppi of Danny, Will, Max, Dominic, Noah, Nicholas and Isabella. He was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Frank Donatello and nephew, Mark Donatello.
Joe was a Deacon of the Archdiocese of Chicago, ordained in 1982, and faithfully served for 40 years at St. John of the Cross Parish in Western Springs, Illinois, where he presided and assisted parishioners with countless sacraments and life events.
Joe spent his career at the McGraw-Hill Companies managing a sales force for the Sweets building product source for design and construction. After retirement, Joe went on to help students at Lyons Township High School as a paraeducator for ten years where his nurturing and loving care was on full display.
Joe attended Austin High School and graduated from DePaul University with a degree in business followed by a master’s degree in theology from Loyola University.
Memorial Visitation Thursday, January 19th from 4 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. at St. John of the Cross Parish Church, 5005 Wolf Rd., Western Springs.
Mass Friday, January 20th at 11:00 a.m. at St. John of the Cross Parish Church.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Marillac St. Vincent De Paul at https://marillacstvincent.org/takeaction/
Arrangements entrusted to Hallowell & James Funeral Home, Countryside at 708-352-6500.
Joe was a genuinely good man.
If you sought an example of a Catholic you could do no better than Joe Pepitone.
I am blessed our paths crossed.
He will be with Jesus forever.
I had the pleasure of working with Joe at LTHS where his helping nature and kind heart were shared with everyone. What a wonderful man, he will be missed.
Joe, Mr. Pepitone as I called him, was one of my favorite paraeducators at LT. I always asked to have him in class with me. His willingness to work with any student was apparent, though he did have a heart for our students with different abilities. I will never forget how he saved a student who was choking on a piece of broccoli. The student was about a foot-and-a-half taller than Joe, but he was still able to dislodge the food and saved his life. Another memory I have is seeing him walk to school every day, even in the middle of winter! Joe’s smile and positive attitude kept me going on days I wanted to phone it in. LT was a better place when he was here with us. Thank you Mary for sharing him with the LT community for 10 wonderful years. Rest well friend, you earned it!
I feel fortunate to have worked with Joe at LTHS when he would PARA for my many art classes. He was always upbeat and loved working with the kids. He had kind words and a kind way about him where kids knew he was genuine. Nothing rattled Joe. I enjoyed taking with him about his family, walking to school from nearby Springdale and spending time with Mary in AZ.
Rest Peacefully Joe, “Mr. Pepitone”
Mr pepitone was the best. I had him as a job coach and he never give me into trouble. He never yelled at anyone for doing anything he had a positive attitude that I knew that he would. Rest in peace
We were friends with Joe for 49 years. My husband met him when he taught The Dale Carnegie Leadership Courses for several years. We met Mary and Melissa soon after Bob met Joe and we all hit it off well. We’ve stayed in touch even though we moved to 5 different cities. We lived when they came to stay with us in the Nashville area. Joe was a strong Christian, a great husband and Father as well as a friend you could always depend on
We will never forget his wonderful and often laughter. We pray for Mary and the kids and I am certain, without a doubt, he’s in his Saviors arms right now.
Mary I am heartbroken. Even thou we spoke often and you were so kind to keep me updated on Joe’s condition.. My heart goes out to you and your family at this sad time. You know I really loved Joe and my only regret is that I didn’t have the pleasure of knowing him longer. You and Joe made a beautiful couple and I know how well you cared for him and loved him. You were both so blessed to have had each other for all these years. He will always have a special place in my heart and I am a better person for knowing Joe. My deepest sympathies to you Mary and your children. We all know he is at peace and with his Savior.
Flo Piraino
Mary and family
So sorry to hear about Joe’s passing.
He was such a good man and brought much to our parish of St. John of the Cross.
May he Rest In Peace.
Virginia Gannon
Mitch and the Family, are sad that you passed away. I remember see you in the neighborhood. We had fun Christmas shopping at LT. I remember how you got us to our job sites very Easily, and helping me during the dog treats, Sport’s Day, helping us in classes, Reading, sometimes see you at St. John of the Cross Church. I remember by helping us clean during cold and flu season, helping our school jobs.
Throughout 40 years in business, Joe was that rarest of encounters – a good & decent man.
I recall a MHC sales meeting on the Jersey Shore some 25 years ago where Joe & I were in the same car to be shuttled to the airport. The driver – a longtime, rabid Yankees fan – was excited that Joe Pepitone was his passenger. When Joe tried to explain (for the millionth time, I’m sure) “not THAT Joe Pepitone,” the guy finally exclaimed “I’M SO CONFUSED…”
Joe felt so bad for the guy.
He will be missed.