Daniel B. Kero

Daniel B. Kero 

Age 59 of Joliet, passed away peacefully at Northwestern Memorial Hospital on Saturday, November 11, 2023 with his family by his side. 

Born April 20, 1964 in York, Maine, Danny was a son of Robert and Beverly (Bottino) Kero. He was raised and educated in Joliet, graduated from Joliet Central High School with the class of 1982, and completed a Bachelor degree in Management Information Systems from the University of St. Francis in 1987.

Danny, a passionate zythophile, would go on to study brewing science and technology at the World Brewing Academy, an alliance established by two of the world’s most prestigious brewing schools: Doemens Academy (Munich, Germany) and the Siebel Institute of Technology (Chicago, USA.)  While brewing would remain his lifelong passion, Danny dedicated his professional career to higher education. He started in information technology at the University of St. Francis (Joliet), spent decades in information technology and telecommunications at Columbia College (Chicago), and then specialized in voice systems at Waubonsee Community College (Sugar Grove). Although St. Francis provided him his first opportunity, and Columbia provided him with some of his closest friendships, it was Waubonsee that provided him with both strong friendships and an unmatchable organizational commitment and loyalty to people. He was deeply saddened when he realized, after two years of fighting cancer, that his declining health would not allow him to rejoin this values-based organization. 

Danny was a devout Catholic and longtime parishioner of both St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Joliet, and St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rockdale, Illinois. Through the strength of his faith, and the support of his loving family and friends, he was able to fight his incurable disease for 29 months with remarkable willpower and resilience. He confronted adversity through the strength and perseverance he inherited from his father, as well as the empathy and caring endowed from his mother. His indomitable will enabled him to overcome hardships, break through mental and physical boundaries, and take action against improbable odds with courage and bravery. Even though his doctors believed that his remaining time was short, he focused on taking care of his mother as she battled her own terminal cancer for 18 months. Although he continued to weaken, his stoic determination remained focused on her needs until she passed. His acts of bravery or self-sacrifice never needed to be the center of attention. He was an unsung hero always giving more than he would take. Someone who neither expected nor sought praise nor an award for something they just considered the right thing to do.  Danny was truly a selfless person who made time for everyone. If you needed help, you would call Danny. He possessed a deep intellect, incredible memory, strong work ethic, sarcastic wit, and a great sense of humor. Through his warm and loving nature, he profoundly touched people's lives. Family and close friends meant everything to him, especially his godson, Tyler. Danny will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege to know him. 

He is survived by his two siblings: Robert Kero and Renee Kero; godson (nephew): Tyler Kero; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. 

Danny is preceded in death by his parents: Robert H. and Beverly J. (nee Bottino); grandparents: Bernard and Mary B. (nee Zanzola) Bottino and Emil A. and Senja J. (nee Kelto) Kero. 

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the entire staff at Northwestern Medical Center, especially the surgeons that performed groundbreaking procedures, like an eye laser treatment that will now preserve sight for future cancer victims, and the countless doctors and nurses that helped him throughout his battle.

Relatives and friends are invited to join the family for a visitation on Sunday, November 19, 2023 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Tezak Funeral Home, 1211 Plainfield Road in Joliet. A celebration of Danny’s life will continue on Monday, November 20, 2023 with visitation from 9:00 a.m. until time of closing prayers beginning at 10:30 a.m. in the funeral home chapel. The funeral will then drive in procession to St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church for a Mass of Christian Burial beginning at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow and Danny will be laid to rest with his parents, grandparents, uncles, and aunts at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Joliet. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made as gifts in Danny’s name to Catholic Charities, or another charity of your choice.