Edward Vercelli

Obituary of Edward Francis Vercelli

Edward Francis Vercelli Edward Francis Vercelli (Major USAF, retired) passed away peacefully in Joliet, IL on Monday March 13, 2017. Preceeded in death by his wife of 63 years, Helen (nee Biernat) in 2013, by his parents John and Mary (nee Heck), and by his brothers Jack (John), Bob (Robert), and Raymond Vercelli. Survived by his children Mary (Michael) Blatti and Nita (Dan) DeCanniere. Loving Grandfather of Michael (fiancé Lauren Maver), Nicholas and Christopher Blatti, and Justin (Ashley) and Andrew (Rose) DeCanniere. Also survived by his sister Lorraine Evans, his devoted niece Janet Jurman and many other nieces, nephews and cousins. Edward Vercelli was born the 30th of April, 1925 in Joliet Illinois, and attended St. Patrick’s Catholic School and Joliet Catholic High School Class of 1943. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps where he proudly served our country as the Lead Navigator in the 401st Bomb Group during World War II, based in Deenethorpe, Northhampshire, England. He and his fellow crewmen conducted over 40 successful missions in the European Theatre. Edward later became a Senior Pilot in the Korean War and rose to the rank of Major, ultimately winning 9 awards and decorations including the Air Force Commendation Medal and was a 3 time recipient of the Air Force Air Medal for his exemplary service. Post-war, he worked as a Hurricane Hunter based in Bermuda, and Base Operations Officer in Japan. Following his 21 years of military service, he retired from active duty and continued to serve his country working for the Defense Department. As one of his last wishes, Edward wanted to thank his care-givers Anna, Dawn and Kathy for their kindness and devotion in helping him through his final years. His family and friends will miss his strong faith, great sense of humor and quick wit most of all. Funeral Services for Edward Francis Vercelli will be held on Friday, March 17, 2017 at 10:45 a.m. from the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet, IL to St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 18 Woodlawn Avenue, Joliet, IL where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. Interment Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery. Memorials in his name to the Hines V.A. Hospital Blind Center, 5000 5th Ave., Hines, IL 60141 would be greatly appreciated. Visitation Thursday 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com
Thursday
16
March

Visitation

4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Thursday, March 16, 2017
Fred C. Dames Funeral Homes - Joliet
3200 Black at Essington Roads
Joliet, Illinois, United States
(815) 741-5500
Friday
17
March

Mass of Christian Burial

11:30 am
Friday, March 17, 2017
St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church
18 Woodlawn Avenue
Joliet, Illinois, United States
Prayers at the funeral home chapel will be held at 10:45 a.m. before processing to the Church.
Friday
17
March

Interment

2:00 pm
Friday, March 17, 2017
Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery
20953 W. Hoff Road
Elwood, Illinois, United States
Share Your Memory of
Edward