Joseph L. Pellettieri

Joseph Leonard "Joe" Pellettieri, age 89, passed away on March 7, 2026, in Lake In The Hills, Illinois. Born on October 15, 1936, in Chicago, Illinois, Joe lived a full and vibrant life dedicated to his family, education, and personal passions.

Joe's academic journey began at St. Mel High School in Chicago. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree from George Williams College and later achieved a Master of Education from DePaul University. His commitment to learning and teaching shaped his career as an educator. Joe began teaching at the middle school level but found his true calling as a science teacher at Maine South High School in Park Ridge, Illinois. Over the years, he inspired countless students with his knowledge and passion for science.

Joe proudly served his country as a member of the Air Force Reserves. Outside of his professional life, he was an active participant in sports and recreation. In his younger years, he played in Chicago softball leagues and competed in weightlifting competitions, earning several medals for his achievements. As time went on, Joe developed a love for golf and enjoyed boating on Geneva Lake, snowmobiling, and skiing. Alongside his beloved wife Marilyn, Joe also found joy in traveling across the country and visiting casinos.

Family was at the heart of Joe's life. He was deeply devoted to his wife Marilyn throughout their 67 years of marriage until her passing. Together they built a loving home filled with strong values like honesty and loyalty—principles that Joe instilled in their children. He took great pride in providing for his family and teaching them valuable lessons about life and finance.

Joe cherished spending time with his family above all else. He had a special bond with his grandchildren Nicole and Alex, as well as his great-granddaughter Ivy. He often remarked that if he had known how much fun grandchildren were, he would have had them first.

Joe is survived by his daughter Kathryn Jones (Jack); son Joe Pellettieri (Karen Drukker); granddaughter Nicole Emmer (Austin); great-granddaughter Ivy; grandson Alex Steele (Meaghan); brother Nino Pellettieri; sister Florence Winfield (Dave Erazmus); brother-in-law Stan Mikuta; special cousins Roseann Kay and Len Tulipano (Vicky); along with many nieces, nephews, and dear friends who will miss him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife Marilyn; parents Dr. Nino and Florence Pellettieri; in-laws Stanley Mikuta and Elizabeth Nowak; sister-in-law Georgeanne Pellettieri; sister-in-laws Joanne Dean (Richard) and Dolores Postawa (Edward); sister-in-law RaOme Mikuta; special cousin Bill Kay; and nephews Brian Dean, Steven Olczak, and Richard Jr. Dean.

Joe's legacy is one of love, dedication, and joy—a life well-lived that touched so many others along the way. May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him.

A Funeral will be held on Thursday April 16, 2026, from 09:00 AM to 11:00 AM at St Theresa Catholic Church 455 N Benton St., Palatine, IL. Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM at the church, followed by Mass at 10:00 AM. Celebration of Life luncheon will follow the mass.