Obituary of Mario Zullo
Mario Zullo, age 79, of Plainfield, and formerly of Oak Park and Elmhurst, passed away unexpectedly at home on Friday, October 20, 2023.
Born February 9, 1944 in Baranello, Italy, he was the son of Giuseppe and Antonia (DiNallo) Zullo. He immigrated to Canada as a child, speaking only Italian, but acclimated quickly and succeeded in school.
In Montreal, Canada, he met the love of his life at an early age, the former Maureen Lynch, of Edinburgh, Scotland. Following her family moving to the United States, he was able to join her here, and in 1964, they married in Oak Park. Together they enjoyed 59 wonderful years of marriage.
Mario was an astute businessman and negotiator, and applied those skills successfully for many years as a produce buyer for Dominick’s Grocery Stores.
Proud of his family and his Italian heritage, Mario instilled those values in his children along with a strong work ethic. The importance of hard work, being a good provider, and showing respect to all were qualities he demonstrated throughout his life. He could be counted on to always be there when needed.
He truly loved his family, and that love became even stronger with the addition of grandchildren and great-grandchildren who cherished their beloved Nonno.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Maureen, of Plainfield; his loving children, William (Brenda) Zullo, Sr., Wendy (Alphonso) Gonzalez, and Mario D. Zullo; his adoring grandchildren, Jennifer (Jon) Gutierrez, William (Kaitlin) Zullo Jr., Mario S. Zullo, Tiffany (David) Lewis, Brendan Zullo, Cameron (Alyssa) Gonzalez, Elizabeth Zullo; five precious great-grandchildren, Jonny Gutierrez, Maximus Lewis, Savannah Gonzalez, Michael Gutierrez and Henrietta Lewis; one sister, Lucia (the late Nick) DiIoia; one brother, Armando (Cathy) Zullo; a sister-in-law, Anna Zullo; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a great-granddaughter, Eleanor Marie Gonzalez; and his siblings, Antonio (Teressa) Zullo, Nicole Zullo, Angelo (Liane) Zullo, Teresa (Giovanne) DiGiglio, and Johnny (Irma) Zullo.
Visitation for Mario Zullo will be held Thursday, October 26, 2023 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Road, Joliet. Funeral services will be held Friday, October 27, 2023, at 9:30 a.m. from the funeral home to Holy Family Catholic Church, 600 N. Brookforest Drive, Shorewood, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Entombment will be in Queen of Heaven Mausoleum, Hillside.
For more information, please call (815) 721-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com
