Valentino "Deno" Zazzetti

Valentino “Deno” Zazzetti, age 94, passed away peacefully surrounded with love on June 7, 2024 at Lightways Hospice Facility in Joliet, IL. He was born to Tomaso Zazzetti and Ida Zazzetti (nee Comozzi) in Chicago Heights, IL on March 3, 1930.

For many of us, trying to understand life is a lifelong journey. For “Deno”, the answer was simple.   Life is Family. It was a mantra that he lived by throughout all of his days. It is a foundational belief that he passed along to his children and their children. Deno was the son of two proud Italians who made their way to America in the early twentieth century. He saw the great risks that his parents had taken to give him the best possible life, and he internalized the many lessons that they provided by example. He grew to become a tireless worker from his youth until his retirement at the age of 86 years. His family will attest to the fact that no one worked harder than Deno. They in turn learned that work ethic from him, and now continue in living by his example. “If you want it, go earn it.” They can still hear those words ringing through their memories even today. Deno was also a proud American patriot. Having served honorably in the United States Marine Corps, he was ultimately discharged due to being the sole surviving member of his immediate family, after his brother was killed in action during World War II. Deno and his children worked together in recent years to attempt to locate the mortal remains of his lost brother. Unfortunately, that mystery has not been solved, but Deno will finally now have the opportunity to find his brother in heaven even though he could not find him here on Earth. Despite the challenges and great heartache that life brings to us all, Deno maintained a wonderful sense of humor. He loved to work a crowd, and always had a story share for any situation. His laughter would carry throughout a room as he welcomed guests, played with his grandchildren who lovingly referred to him as “Grandpa” or Nunu”, or while he labored over the stove preparing the perfect tomato sauce with meatballs that once they have been tasted can never be forgotten. Saving the greatest for last, the family takes true solace in the knowledge that Valentino has finally been reunited with his dear wife Donna, (she was the love of his life, and he never stopped longing for her) and his loving daughter Diana. His joy and laughter when seeing them again is undoubtedly being heard throughout the kingdom of Heaven.

Valentino was preceded in death by his wife Donna Jean Zazzetti who passed on Decmber 18, 2009, and his daughter Diana Lynn Zazzetti who passed on November 30, 2021.

He is survived by his children Joseph (Cynthia) Zazzetti, Thomas Zazzetti, Deno (Patricia) Zazzetti, Lori (Thomas) Cherven, his grandchildren Paul & Leanne Zazzetti (Joe & Cindy Z.), Haley Zazzetti (Tom Z.), Dominic Zazzetti (Deno & Patricia Z.), Samantha B, Maggie B, Bobby B, Kevin B, Gabbi B, Mike C, Dan C & Kevin C. (Lori & Tom C.), and two of Deno’s dearest special friends, Pamela Gray & Judy Tomasino, along with many other relatives and loved ones who also survive.

A Celebration of Life Visitation will be held on June 12, 2024 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at Tezak’s Home to Celebrate Life, 1211 Plainfield Road, Joliet with a brief closing service from 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm. Immediately following the service, guests will be invited to travel in procession to Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, IL for interment with full military honors.