Joseph M. Sallese

Joseph (Joe) Michael Sallese, age 84, born into eternal life on Monday, August 29, 2022.  He died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family after a five-year battle with cancer.

Joe was born in Joliet to immigrant parents, Michele and Bianca Sallese from Caramanico, Italy.  He is survived by his beloved wife and best friend of sixty-four years, Ann Marie (Jacksetich); his loving children, Greg (Cheryl), Kevin (Liz), Sister Mary Elizabeth, O.P., Michelle (Brad) Boggetto, and Sally (Matt) Bozue.  He was adored by his 13 grandchildren, Joe and Lauren Sallese, Tony (Chelsea) Sallese, Mary Rose, Tommy and Greta Sallese, Branden, Brittney, Emily and Caden Boggetto, and Rachel, Ryan and Michael Bozue, two great-grandchildren, Lily and Jameson Sallese, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by his parents, grandson Nicholas, brothers Angelo (Rita), Tony (Rose), and an infant brother; sisters Rafaella (Tom) Hamilton, and Donna (Butch) Markelz, and a brother-in-law Bob (Lynn, surviving) Jacksetich.

Joe had a full life enjoying traveling, golfing, and spending time with family and friends.  He was a true artist, master builder, wood carver, and painter.  In recent years he made hundreds of beautiful rosaries for family and friends.  Joe was a long-time owner of Lyons Lumber and Building Center in Joliet.

Joe was a devout Catholic who enjoyed praying the rosary daily.

A special thank you to Dr. Waheed, Shanita Valentine, Aisha Brownlee Williams, St. Joseph’s Hospital Third Floor Infusion Center staff, Gina, Lynn, and Judy for their compassion and loving care over the last five years.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Dominican Sisters, 801 Dominican Dr., Nashville, TN 37228, or Lightways Hospice, 250 Water Stone Circle, Joliet, IL 60431.

A celebration of Joe’s life will begin Friday, September 2, 2022 with visitation from 9:30 a.m. until time of Mass of Christian Burial beginning at 11:00 a.m. at Saint Mary Nativity Church, 706 N. Broadway Street in Joliet, IL.  Interment will follow and Joe will be laid to rest at Saint Mary Nativity Catholic Cemetery in Crest Hill.