Cecil F. Underhill

Sgt. Cecil F. Underhill died peacefully on December 15, 2016 at Joliet Area Community Hospice after a brief illness.

Born in Chicago and a longtime resident of the Joliet area. Cecil proudly served in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War and was the receiver of the National Defense Services Medal. He started his career as a butcher for Jewel food stores before successfully operating small grocery and meat markets throughout Joliet. He most recently served as the food services director at the Will County Correctional Facility before his retirement in 2013. Cecil enjoyed travelling to visit family and loved sharing stories of his life, especially his time with the Lockport football team. He was a devoted Chicago Cubs fan and will be greatly missed by family and friends.

Cecil is survived by his daughters, Dana (Don) Hendrix and Nicole Underhill; former wife and friend Diane Johnson; daughter-in-law Kayleigh; brother Michael; sisters Donna Jola and Mary Jane Minkel; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren and beloved nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Marjorie Underhill; brother David and son Gregory.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Cecil’s name to St. Joseph Catholic Church or Joliet Area Community Hospice would be appreciated.

The family invites relatives and friends to gather at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Joliet on Monday, December 19, 2016 for a Mass of Christian Burial to be held at 10:00 a.m. Interment to follow at Calvary Cemetery in Lockport. Visitation will be on Sunday, December 18, 2016 at Tezak Funeral Home, 1211 Plainfield Road, Joliet from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.