Obituary of Filippo "Phil" Puleo
Filippo “Phil” Puleo, age 75, of Joliet, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, January 11, 2026.
Born on May 27, 1950, in Alcamo Trapani, Sicily, Phil was the son of Matteo and Maria Antonina (Girmaudo) Puleo. He immigrated to the United States with his family on May 9, 1968, beginning a life defined by hard work, dedication, and deep love for those around him. In the early years of his career, Phil worked at the Ferrari Plant in Italy before going on to spend more than 50 years excelling in automotive painting and working on cars.
Phil will be remembered for his passion for cars and for attending car shows with his loved ones. He also cherished the simple joys of life, including gardening, grilling, and cooking, especially pasta.
No one ever left his table hungry. His devotion to his family was constant and unwavering, and he took great pride in his sons. Above all else, his greatest pride and joy came from his four grandchildren. Phil never met a stranger and had a way of making everyone feel welcome. Affectionately known as “The Legend” or “One of a Kind”, Phil earned those names through his kindness, humor, and the way he consistently showed up for others. His legacy lives on through the many lives he touched. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know him.
Phil is survived by his beloved wife, Sylvia (nee Fuentes); his four sons, Phil “Lil Phil” (Rachel), Mike, Dominic, and Jon (Jessica); his four grandchildren, Micaela, Brianna, Madelyn, and Dane; his sister, Mima LaMarca; his brother, Vince (Lily) Puleo; his sisters-in-law, Cristina Fuentes and Sandy (Tim) Klima; his brother-in-law, Juan Fuentes; and many nieces and nephews, including his nephew, Nick Puleo, who held a special and deeply important place in Phil’s life, and with whom he shared a very close bond.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Sam Puleo; and his mother and father-in-law, John and Molly Fuentes, with whom he shared a special relationship.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Phil’s memory to a charity of your choice.
Family and friends are invited to gather and celebrate the life of Filippo “Phil” Puleo on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Road, Joliet, Illinois, from 4:00 p.m. until the Memorial Service at 7:00 p.m. In accordance with his wishes, cremation rites have been accorded.
For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute page at www.fredcdames.com, where those wishing to honor Phil are encouraged to share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.
