Joseph A. Cemeno

Age 75, born into heaven on Sept. 21 with his family by his side after a lingering illness. Born in Joliet Aug. 10, 1932. Owner of Cemeno's Pizza Restaurant (formerly Aurelio's Pizza) for the past 31 years. Preceded in death by his parents Theresa (Chellino) and Joseph Cemeno and his brother-in-law Larry Pfeifer.

Joe is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Janice (Pfeifer), who cared for him selflessly for years; his loving children, Jill (Lou) Glavan, Sharon (Joel) Hicks, Sue (Danny) Schultz, Michael (Joy) Cemeno, and Natalie Cemeno. Special extra daughter, Betsy (Penton) Chung. 12 Grandchildren, Jake and Ally Glavan, Ian and Katie Hicks, Samantha and Mark Schultz, Nick, Kevin, Faith, Hannah, and Maria Cemeno, and Ben Cemeno. He is also survived by one sister, Carmella (Turk), and three brothers, Fred, Tom and Tony Cemeno; Best friend and cousin, Mike Mancuso; and special nephew, Frank Turk, part of his ""Tuesday's with Sepper"" group.

He leaves behind so many dear friends, too many to name.

Lifetime resident of his beloved town of Joliet. Joe grew up on the east side and attended Sacred Heart School and Joliet Catholic High School. Out of high school Joe worked at Metropolitan Life Insurance, then sold cars at Bill Jacobs Chevrolet Joliet. In 1976 he attained his dream of opening his own restaurant. Long time member of St. John the Baptist Church. Joe loved his church and was involved for many years. He was a faithful man of God who gave Him credit for all his accomplishments here on earth. His family was his pride and joy, especially his grandchildren whom he loved and mentored over the years. He also loved to be at his family restaurant to be around all of his friends, customers and employees. He was lovingly know as the ""Sepper"" and will be dearly missed by those who worked there.

Special thanks to all of the staff of Joliet Area Community Hospice, especially Jan, Chris, and Michelle who cared for him daily, also his special nurse Fran. Also thanks to all the ""extra"" family who carried us through, especially Norene and Amber Peterson and Nancy Schultz. Joe was so proud of his son's mission and ministry that Michael recently started. In lieu of flowers any donations to ""Fishers of Men"" would be appreciated.

Joseph A. Cemeno will Lie in State at St. John's Catholic Church on Monday morning from 9am until time of Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10am. Interment at St. John's Cemetery. Visitation will be at Tezak's Home to Celebrate Life on Sunday from 2-9pm, Prayer Services at 7:30pm.