Board Members

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Livio Planera, age 91, passed away peacefully in his home in Chicago Heights, IL, on June 9th, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Born on January 1st, 1933, in his hometown of Amaseno, Provincia di Frosinone, Italy. He immigrated to the US in 1954 to chase the “American Dream” and build a better life for himself and his future family. He was employed by Abex Corporation (Amsco) as a pattern-maker (molder), and later moved on to become a custodian for School District 170.

Livio was a devoted husband for 61 years to the late Carmina nee Zacaroli. Loving father to Rosemary (Sam) Borrelli, Josephine (Robert) Adduci, and Livia (Phil) Faso. “Nonno” to Stephanie (Jeff) Sonntag, Gabriella (Grant) Baker, Samuel (Emily) Borrelli, Joseph (Catherine) Borrelli, Robert (Brittney) Adduci, Andrea (Dillon) Popovich, Lauren (Fiancé Eric Mitchell), Phillip, and Bianca Faso. Great grandfather of 13 children. Brother to Mary (late Joseph) Pongelli, Anna (late Ettore) Panici, Assunta “Sue” (late Joseph) Grilli. Livio is preceded in death by his parents, Giuseppe Planera and Teresa nee DeProsperis; and his brothers and their wives, Cesare (Cesarina) Planera, Raymond (Mary) Planera, Mario Planera, Tommaso (Eva) Planera, Eugene (Gisa) Planera. Beloved godfather and uncle (Zi’Livio) to many nieces and nephews. 

Livio was a vivacious soul and lived each day emanating strength, grace, and love. His contagious smile, joyful spirit, and his kind and gentle heart were just a few of the many admirable qualities about him. Even in his final days, he never complained as he was always grateful for the beautiful life he lived. Loved by many, he enjoyed spending his days surrounded by family and friends, working in his garden, swimming 100 laps at his local health club, and teaching the family tradition of homemade wine-making. He was a devoted member of the Amaseno Lodge No. 3 and San Rocco Oratory. Livio will be missed dearly, but his hard-working mentality and dedication to family will live on as an example for years to come. 

Resting at Panozzo Bros. Funeral Home, 530 West 14th Street (US Rt 30, 3 blocks E of Western Ave), Chicago Heights on Sunday, June 16, 2024, from 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm. His funeral will take place on Monday, June 17th 2024 beginning at 10:15 am from Panozzo Bros. Funeral Home with a procession to follow to San Rocco Oratory (315 East 22nd Street, Chicago Heights, IL) and a mass 11:00 am. Entombment will take place at Assumption Cemetery in Glenwood, IL.  In lieu of flowers, memorials in Livio's name to San Rocco Oratory, would be appreciated by his family.  Info 708-481-9230 and panozzobros.com.

Mary “Mama Mary” Lucarini nee Tucciarelli. Age 101. Lifelong resident of the “Hungry Hill” Neighborhood of Chicago Heights. Retired Park Attendant for the Chicago Heights Park District as well as a magnificent cook working at the 3Star, Valentino’s and other various restaurants in the Chicago Heights area including the infamous Mama Mary’s Restaurant on 24th Street and East End Avenue. Wife for 25 years of the late Augusto Lucarini. Mother of Dante Lucarini, Rosemary (late John) DeBergh and Ronald “Ronnie” Lucarini. Grandma of Jason (Christy Brown) DeBergh and the late Ryan DeBergh. “Nonni” of Rocco and Bronx DeBergh. Daughter of the late Antonia nee Pagiossi and Cataldo Tucciarelli. Sister of the late Steve (late Mildred) Tucciarelli, Dominic (late Dematria) Tucciarelli, Carmella (late Fred) Flamini, Josephine (late August) Mattio, Vincent (late Mary) Tucciarelli and 2 predeceased brothers in Italy. Aunt to many nieces and nephews. Friend of many. Mary will be dearly missed by her favorite pal Cali.

Joseph Frank “Pepe” DiGiovanni, age 85, a resident of Naperville, IL since 2003, formerly of Glenwood, IL, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, December 9, 2022, surrounded by family. He was born in Palazzo Adriano, Sicily and was a dedicated and loving husband to his wife of 64 years, Marlene DiGiovanni (nee Girolami). He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph, and his mother, Maria; his sisters, Josephine (the late John) DiMaggio, Carmella (the late John) Melei, Lucy (Michael, Sr.) Prisco, and Barbara DiGiovanni. He is survived by his wife, his children, Marisa DiGiovanni and Joseph Jay (Shannon) DiGiovanni; and his beloved grandchildren, JT (Caitlyn) DiGiovanni, Christopher DiGiovanni, Joseph Connor DiGiovanni, and Evelyn DiGiovanni; his brother Sam (Linda) DiGiovanni; his brother-in-law Alfred "Butch" (Donna) Girolami and Leslie (Midge) Girolami.

Joseph was a deeply active member of the community. He was the senior member of the DiGiovanni family and always the spokesperson at gatherings and events. His thoughtfulness, dedication, selflessness, and cheerfulness were never in short supply, and neither was the wine. He spent the early years of his life in Germany, serving his country in the U.S. Army. He was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus at St. Raphael Catholic Church and served as a 4th degree sir knight. He dedicated his time to helping others in need by delivering food to Hesed House, Loaves and Fishes, volunteering for the Intellectual Disability Drive, and donating his time to the Boy Scouts. He was also a passionate and talented cook and loved to feed family and friends who came by the house.

Visitation will be held on Friday, December 16, 2022, 3:00-8:00 PM at Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 44 S. Mill Street, Naperville.

Family and friends will meet on Saturday, December 17th at St. Raphael Catholic Church, 1215 Modaff Rd., Naperville to celebrate an 11:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial.

Everyone will meet Saturday, 2:00 PM at Assumption Catholic Cemetery, 19500 Cottage Grove Avenue, Glenwood, IL 60425, (708) 758-4772 for committal services.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Joseph can be made to: 

Hesed House Homeless Shelter, 659 S. River St., Aurora, IL 60506, (630) 897-2156, www.hesedhouse.org.

Louis Simonetti. Age 90. Lifelong Chicago Heights resident. Graduate of Bloom High School. Unites States Air Force Korean War Veteran. Retired after 41 years of service from Com Ed. A golf starter at Olympia Fields Country Club for 30 years. Member of the Marchegiana Society, Club 25, Mt Carmel Men’s Club. Devoted husband for 62 years of JoAnn nee Amadio. Proud father of Ron (Peggi) Simonetti, Rev. David Simonetti and Lynda Simonetti. Son of the late Julie nee Barberi and Louis J. Simonetti. Brother of the late Anthony “Sonny” (late Joan) Simonetti. Brother in-law of Frances (late Albert) Somer, Eleanor (late Ezio) Pignotti and the late Violet (late Ray) McGrath, Tom (late Catherine) Amadio and Richard (Roberta) Amadio. Uncle of many nieces and nephews. Friend of many. Louis has left a beautiful legacy behind for everyone. 

Raymond P. Corradetti. Age 86. Lifelong Chicago Heights resident. Graduate of Bloom High School. United States Army Veteran. Retired from Illinois Bell after 30 years of service as a Locator. Proud proprietor of Heights Rental. Longtime member of the Marchegiana Society. Beloved husband for 53 years of the late Rosetta nee Perry.  Loving father of Lynnae (Michael) Bush, Rachelle (John) Drozd and the late Rae Ann Corradetti. Cherished “Papa” of Michael and Matthew Bush, Brie Ann (fiancé Robert Bandola), Danielle and John Drozd. Son of the late Domenica nee Rosati and Emedio Corradetti. Brother of the late Livia (late Edward) Zarlengo and John (late Yola) Corradetti. Uncle and friend of many. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Ray's name to South Suburban Humane Society, 1103 West End Ave., Chicago Heights, IL 60411 or southsuburbanhumane.org/shelter-contact,  would be appreciated by the Corradetti family.

Ryan A. DeBergh. Age 35. Lifelong Steger resident. Passed away peacefully April 2, 2021. Graduate of Bloom Trail High School. Member of the Marchigiana Society. Worked for Faso Excavating, E & R Towing and the Pizza Chef and cook at the family restaurant Mama Mary’s. Ryan enjoyed everything with being outside, playing with his Uncle Dante in the Wednesday Builders Golf League, playing catch with his nephews and keeping up with the yard work around the house.  Son of Rosemary nee Lucarini and the late John DeBergh. Brother of Jason (Christy Brown) DeBergh. Grandson of Mary “Mama Mary” nee Tucciarelli and the late August Lucarini. Proud uncle Ry Ry of Rocco and Bronx DeBergh. Nephew of Dante and Ronald Lucarini. Friend to many. Devoted companion of his dog, Jada.