Leo A. Ficarella

Leo A. Ficarella, age 82, at rest June 27, 2012. Survived by his children Marialena Ficarella, Jannine Moody, Nicola (Paula) Ficarella, Leanne (Rich) Schmidt , Virginia (Gene) Hoffmann, Ronald (Lesa) Ruth, Janice Finnis and Kevin Ruth; grandchildren Tim Ruth, Gina (William) Warren II, Amanda Finnis, Craig Skripek II, Kevin L. Ruth, Brooke (Marco) Avila, Brandy (Willie) McCarthy, Zachary and Marissa Ficarella, Sylyna (Matt) Huff, Andrew, Garrett and Desiree Moody, Vincent , Aaron and Jessica Hoffmann; 16 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; sister Virginia (the late Joseph) Governale; also survived by numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by his wife Marie Ficarella nee Nasenbeny; brothers Joseph Ficarella and Nofrio (Edith) Ficarella.

Leo was born in Joliet and a life-long resident. He graduated from Joliet Township High School in 1948, and went on to serve in the U.S. Air Force from 1950 to 1954 during the Korean War. He was assigned to the Strategic Air Command, 509th Bomb Wing, as an arial gunner on B-29 and B-50A�??s. Honorably discharged in 1954. He worked in civil service at APSA for 19 years, Will County Highway Department for 15 years, and Will County Sheriff Department (county jail locksmith) for 5 years, retiring in 1995. He also worked as a motion picture projectionist Local 374 for over 40 years in Joliet theatres. Member of the Holy Name Society, Church of St. Anthony and the Italian Culture Club.

A celebration of LeoA�??s life will begin on Saturday, June 30, 2012 at 9:30 am with prayers at the funeral home chapel, then in procession to the Church of St. Anthony for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am. Committal service to follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be on Friday from 3:00pm to 9:00 pm.