Anthony F. LaPaso

The best fathers do more than watch their children grow. They instill in them a purpose and teach them what it means to live a meaningful life.

On Thursday, May 21, 2015, Anthony LaPaso passed away at Northwestern Medical Center surrounded by his most treasured possession; his family. A Joliet native, Tony was born on February 11, 1942. He was preceded in death by his parents, Anthony and Helen (Matay) LaPaso and brother, Kenneth (Carolyn) LaPaso. Tony married his best friend, Sandy (Bates), on August 3, 1963. They lovingly raised three children: Anthony LaPaso III, Tami (James) Blake, and Traci (Douglas) Plut. He is survived by his precious grandchildren: Olivia and Jimmy Blake, Tarah, Alainna, and Evan Plut; two sisters, Linda (Gordon) Bruce, and Susan LaPaso along with numerous nieces and nephews.

One of his fondest memories was being the first baseman on Joliet's 1956 Pony League World Series Championship team. He was also a gifted carpenter - Local # 174 who took much pride in his craftsmanship.

Tony was a soft-spoken man who was always gentle and polite to everyone he met. We never heard him speak ill of any person. He was a man of seemingly infinite patience and generosity.

He enjoyed fishing and watching the Cubs, but his greatest joys were activities with his grandchildren: Picking apples, watching movies, picnics at the beach, or simply visiting at the kitchen table.

Tony's most profound gifts were the principles by which he lived: Have faith in God, care for others, love of family and friends, put the welfare of others ahead of yourself and forgive without limits.

God gave us a beautiful, gentle man whom we were privileged to call husband, dad, and papa. We will forever be grateful for the wonderful time we had together and the wisdom he shared with us. We can only attempt to live a life as selfless, caring and giving as he did. Although our humble hero has passed, his calm spirit will forever live in the hearts of his family and those who loved him.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Tony may be made to St. Mary Nativity Church.

A Celebration of Tony's life will begin with a visitation on Saturday, May 30, 2015 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Nativity Catholic Church (706 N. Broadway St., Joliet) followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. There will be no services at the funeral home.

Saturday, May 30, 2015
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

St. Mary Nativity Catholic Church
707 N. Broadway Street
Joliet, ILL 60435

Saturday, May 30, 2015
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

St. Mary Nativity Catholic Church
707 N. Broadway Street
Joliet, ILL 60435