Obituary of Fred F. Rigoni

Fred F. Rigoni, Jr. "Fritz" Age 93. Passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 2, 2017 at Presence St. Joseph Medical Center. Born in Joliet and a lifelong area resident calling The Timbers of Shorewood home since 2012. Preceded by his parents, Fred Sr. and Mae, first wife, Mabel (nee Zolla) Rigoni (1964); his second wife, Mayvis (nee Wenzel) Rigoni (2013); his infant daughter, Melissa Ann and granddaughter, Jill Walsh. Survived by his two devoted daughters, Gina (Gordie) Carrier of Shorewood and Carla (Alan) Schumacher of Elgin; five stepchildren, Thomas "Tom" (Debbie) Walsh of Florida, Cynthia "Cynde" (Ben) Kahn of Mount Prospect, IL, Ronald "Ron" (Donna) Walsh of Shorewood, Jean "Jeannie" (Ned) Lamey of Roselle, IL and Robert "Bob" (Diana) Walsh of Shorewood; 14 grandchildren; brother, Arthur Rigoni of Rockdale, IL; Further survived by many great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins. A graduate of Joliet Township High School, Class of 1938. A proud WWII U.S. Army Veteran. Former co-owner and operator of the Crown Liquor Store and former owner of the Appliance Repair Store both in Crest Hill, IL. Fritz was left to raise his two young daughters with the help of his parents after the death of his first wife, Mabel (1964). His daughters remember him studying at a table in their Crest Hill home for the Electrical Apprentice Program which became his career until his retirement in 1994. Fritz remained a proud union member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local #176 for 49 years. He enjoyed and participated in many of the activities offered at the Timbers. However, his favorites were those involving music. He was especially fond of the accordion which he had played himself in his early years and looked forward to those scheduled events when Rich Stanley would play. He established his own dress code by which he was known, plaid shirt with a must have pocket (never to be buttoned completely), white t-shirt (exposed), sweat pants, white crew socks (never black), and white gym shoes. To top the look he put a white napkin in the shirt pocket, never a handkerchief! Special thanks to his caregivers Oscar and Roly (Fritz referred to as Oscar's big brother); former Plainfield neighbors, John and Betsy Sullivan and barber Jerry. Fritz had a quick wit and humor, he would tell Jerry cut the left side a bit shorter because that is the side that gets fertilized. Funeral Services for Fred F. Rigoni will be held Wednesday, February 8, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. from the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet to the Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus for a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Interment Resurrection Cemetery where full military honors will be accorded under the auspices of the United States Army. In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name to the Cathedral of St. Raymond or the Wounded Warrior Project would be appreciated. Visitation Tuesday 4-8 p.m. at the funeral home. For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com.