Obituary of Michael John Sasso

Michael J. Sasso

Born: May 2, 1936
Died: December 18, 2017

Michael J. Sasso, 81, of Crawfordsville, IN, formerly of Joliet, IL, passed away in his home suddenly and unexpectedly Monday evening, December 18, 2017, with his surviving wife of 57 years, Mary Sheila Harmon Sasso by his side.

Mary Sheila and Mike met as students at the University of Illinois, and married in her hometown of Princeville, IL May 21, 1960.

Michael received his B.S. in Business Management from the University of Illinois in 1958 after graduating from Joliet Catholic High School in 1954.  He also attended Sacred Heart Grade School in Joliet.  Michael proudly served in the United States Marine Corps, as did his son Douglas M. Sasso.

Surviving is his loving wife of 57 years, Mary Sheila (nee Harmon) Sasso of Crawfordsville, IN; his beloved children, Douglas M. (Cindy) Sasso of Laguna Hills, CA, Karen Eugenia Sasso of Aliso Viejo, CA and Sheila Marie Sasso of Scottsdale, AZ; his constant companion and “buddy”, Kato; sisters-in-law, Bonnie (Jim) Harmon, Jeanne (John) Ferguson, Joyce (Bill) Harmon and Margaret (Pat) Harmon; brother-in-law, Edmund Harmon; and numerous nieces, nephews, godchildren, cousins, and extended family in Canada, France and Italy.  

 He was preceded by his parents, Michael and Eugenia (nee Vercellotti) Sasso; sisters, Theresa (the late Joseph) Sasso Sharp and Eleanore Sasso; and nephew, David Sharp.

Michael held numerous civic positions and memberships in the alumni associations of Joliet Catholic High School and the University of Illinois, the Will County Old Timers Baseball Association, and the American Legion.

He was a past president of the Joliet Evening Lions Club and of the Holy Name Society of St. Joseph’s in Rockdale.  He and his wife served as co chairpersons of Jubilation ’83, which raised funds for the then separate schools of JCHS and SFA.

Michael was employed for many years at United States Steel as an industrial engineer and general foreman and retired in 1998 as the plant manager of Cerro Metal Products Wire Operations in Bellefonte, PA, after having a similar position at Mid States Steel in Crawfordsville, IN.  

Retirement allowed more time for traveling and less commuting as he pursued activities with his former classmates at JCHS.  Michael and his wife traveled to all 50 states, Ireland, Italy, and recently enjoyed Thanksgiving in Hawaii.  For many winters, they relocated to Gulf Shores, AL, where he could play golf and spend more time with friends.  His neighbors in Indiana were not just neighbors, but were close friends too.

A die hard Chicago Cubs fan his entire life, he proudly “flew the W” for the world champions.  He was also a fan of the Chicago Bears, Chicago Blackhawks, and Chicago Bulls, was a season ticket holder for the University of Illinois sports teams and was a fan of all Joliet Catholic High School sports.     

He represented the word LOYALTY.

Funeral services for Michael John Sasso will be held on Thursday, December 28, 2017 at 9:15 a.m. from the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet, to St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 18 Woodlawn Ave., Joliet, IL where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m.  Enshrinement will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, Romeoville.  In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name to Joliet Catholic Academy, any no kill animal shelter or rescue group of your choice, or St. John’s Catholic Newman Center at the University of Illinois would be appreciated.  Visitation will be held from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday.  For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com