Obituary of Delso Bucciarelli

Delso C. Bucciarelli "Butch" "Papa Del" Age 93. Passed away Tuesday, December 15, 2009 at Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center. Born October 12, 1916 in Caramanica, Italy, he was a resident of Joliet since 1923. Life Member of Cantigny VFW Post #367 where he served as Chaplain. Member of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church and U.S. Steel Local #1445. He worked as a shipping clerk for U.S. Steel for 33 years, retiring January 1, 1979. A United States Army veteran of World War II, he served with the Artillery in the Philippines and Okinawa, and was the recipient of six commendations. Delso will long be remembered by his family and friends for his selfless commitment to all those he loved, as well as to his country, which he so loyally served. His long legacy includes that of faithful husband, dearest brother and uncle, loving "Papa" to many children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, proud Army veteran of WWII (Okinawa, Philippines), Chaplain and color guard member of VFW Post #367, flag presenter at countless military wakes and funerals, great teller of stories from long ago, "Mr. Fix-it" for any home or car concern, family man extrordinaire, having the virtues of kindness and generosity well beyond the norm, proud of his Italian roots and bocce ball skills. Simply said, Delso's life is a shining example of the men and women who are a part of the "Greatest Generation" always putting others ahead of self and always doing things right. His loss will be mourned by many, but his warmth and loving countenance will remain with us forever. Well done Papa Del, well done. Preceded in death by his first wife, Josephine (nee Peccatiello) Bucciarelli (1971); one son, Ronald Bucciarelli (1984); his parents, Antonio and Anna (nee Del Rose) Bucciarelli; and four brothers, Alex, twins Ralph and Angelo, and Eugene Bucciarelli. Beloved husband of Dorothy (nee Widlowski) Jaworski Bucciarelli of Joliet; four children, Judith A. (Larry) Larsen of Elwood, Elizabeth J. (Roger) LaLonde of Naples, FL, John M. Jaworski of New Lenox and Christine M. (Daniel) Studer of Joliet; loving and giving grandfather of 18; great-grandfather of 34; brother of Herman "Armando" (Eleanor) Bucciarelli of Solana Beach, CA, Mary (Roy) Duchene of Joliet, and William (Dolores) Bucciarelli of Sarasota, FL; sister-in-law Louise (late Alex) Bucciarelli of Joliet; and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral Services for Delso C. Bucciarelli will be Friday, December 18, 2009 at 9:00 a.m. from the funeral home chapel to St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. Interment Resurrection Cemetery where full military honors will be accorded. Memorials in his name to Senior Services Center of Will County would be appreciated. Visitation Thursday from 3-8 p.m. at: FRED C. DAMES FUNERAL HOME 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet For Information (815) 741-5500