Obituary of Donald Cordano

Age 81, a lifetime Joliet resident, passed away peacefully Monday, September 7, 2015 with his family by his side, ending a courageous two-year battle with pancreatic cancer. Founder and President of Donald L. Cordano and Associates and Professor Emeritus at Lewis University. He also served as board member and treasurer of Joliet Area Community Hospice, Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home, Will Grundy Center for Independent Living and the Rialto Foundation, and held positions of leadership in many other professional associations. One of Don's greatest loves was leading a small dance band for over 25 years. He was also a lifetime member of the Joliet Elks, Loyal Order of Moose, Knights of Columbus and The Old Timers Baseball Association. He was born August 5, 1934 to the late Louise (nee Brusatte) and Joseph Cordano. Don married the love of his life, Suellen (nee Brehn) Cordano on August 29, 1959; loving father of Marisue (Dr. Alexander) Grabavoy and James (Stephani) Cordano; proud and devoted grandfather of Christiana Grabavoy (Stephen Hertzog) and Natalya Grabavoy; Mia and Griffin Cordano. Also survived by his brother-in-law, Jim Briscoe and several nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents; an infant brother, LaVerne Cordano; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Dolores (nee Morrison) and Raymond Brehn; brother-in-law, Bob (Mickey) Brehn; and sister-in-law, Mary Lou Briscoe. The family would like to thank Dr. Jason Suh and the nurses, especially his nurse, Kathleen at JOHA for all the great care and attention they gave. Funeral Services for Donald L. Cordano will be held Saturday, September 12, 2015 at 9:00 a.m. from the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd. (at Essington Rd.) Joliet to St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 18 N. Woodlawn Avenue, Joliet, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Entombment Resurrection Mausoleum, Romeoville, IL. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice. Visitation Friday, 2-8 p.m. at the funeral home. For information (815) 741-5500