Edward O. Bertagnoli

Edward O. Bertagnoli, age 83, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 19, 2015 after a 10 year battle with Parkinson’s Disease.

Edward was born and raised in Joliet and Graduate of Joliet Catholic Academy. He was a United States Army Veteran serving during the Korean Conflict. Edward retired from the Ceramic Tile Layers & Finishers Local #21 after 40 years of service. Edward leaves behind his beloved wife of 59 years, Freda (nee Shoemaker); children, Maribeth Wunderlich, Laura, Alice (Greg) Reigh, Kaye (Bert) Kooi, Edward G., Sally (Terry) Piazza; grandchildren, Monica and Melissa Wunderlich, Gregory and Eric Reigh, Lyndsay and Andrew Kooi, Gabrielle, Sydney and Brooke Piazza; sisters-in-law, Mary Ellen (the late Michael) Aschenbrenner and Lois Larsen; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Preceded in death by his parents, Edward A. and Loretta (nee Doyle) Bertagnoli; brother, James Bertagnoli; son-in-law, Bill Cushing.

In his youth he was a classically trained pianist. Edward loved to work with his hands and was always ready to lend a tool or fix anything he could.  He was an avid outdoorsman and loved animals, fishing, hunting and gardening. Edward had a great sense of humor that came to life when he was accompanied by his family and friends. He was an avid sports fan and especially enjoyed college basketball and the Green Bay Packers. One of his greatest joys was spending time with his family and grandchildren

The family would like to offer a special thank you to Joliet Area Community Hospice and the staff at Sunny Hill Nursing Home for the excellent care provided to Edward.

Donations in Edward’s name to Joliet Area Community Hospice, St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church Restoration Fund or American Parkinson Disease Association, Midwest Chapter, 2050 Pfingsten Road, Suite 127, Glenview IL 60026.

The family invites relatives and friends to gather at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church on Wednesday, November 25, 2015 for a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Interment to follow at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood. Visitation will be on Tuesday, November 24, 2015 at Tezak Funeral Home, 1211 Plainfield Road, Joliet from 3-8 p.m.