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BORN
1941
DIED
2023
FUNERAL HOME
Raymond Giovannelli Obituary
Raymond L. Giovannelli age 82, Retired Chief of Niles Police Department; beloved husband of the late Phyllis B. Giovannelli; loving father of Laura Giovannelli (Jerry Kloberdanz), Scott (Mary) Giovannelli, and Shelley (Rich) Fallon; dearest grandfather of Tony (Maddie), Joey (Melinda), Michael, Dominick, Alisa, Max, Macy, and Joe; cherished great grandfather of Liam and Luca; fond brother of Charles Giovannelli (Judy). Visitation Thursday September 14, 2023, from 4 PM until 8 PM at the Skaja Terrace Funeral Home, 7812 N. Milwaukee Ave., Niles. Funeral service Friday 9 AM to St. John Brebeuf Church for 10AM mass. Interment Maryhill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials to Tunnel of Towers Foundation
Funeral info: 847-966-7302
Ray grew up in Chicago and Niles, working at the family bakery. He served in the US Army’s First Infantry Division, aka, The Big Red One. In 1965 Ray & Phyllis were married and raised their children, Laura, Scott, and Shelley in Niles with kindness, respect, and a family first mantra. Ray was a police officer in Niles for thirty-five years. He rose in rank over the years and retired as Chief of Police. Ray worked tirelessly to provide for his family, picking up part time and side jobs whenever available, even starting up a window washing company. Ray earned a bachelor's degree from Northeastern University, and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy. Ray was always a leader and volunteered his time coaching, school board, entertaining, etc. As a community leader, Ray travelled to Italy, Greece, and Ireland with Niles Sister Cities. Although Ray and Phyllis moved to Texas for warmer weather, Ray often called his family and friends to check in, never saying goodbye but “talk to you later.” Rest easy Ray, you are home.
Memories and Condolences
for Raymond Giovannelli
9 Entries
Cheryl Bruno-Melone
September 15, 2023
Our deepest condolences. Our family will remember Ray as a wonderful, kind and special person.
The Sam Bruno Family
Don Cundiff
September 13, 2023
Kathy and I would like to express our deepest sympathy to Ray’s family. I have lost another good friend and member of the Illinois Chiefs. So sad to hear about Phyllis.
Robert Dart, Cmdr, Chicago PD (ret)
September 10, 2023
Ray, you impressed me the moment we met after I graduated from the FBI Academy in 1980. You were such a gentleman and professional law enforcement officer and so funny at the same time. You were the one who introduced me to Nilesmy future home. Thank you so much for all. See you on the other side.
Dwight Roepenack
September 9, 2023
My wife and I knew Ray and as a co-worker in Niles for over twenty years he was the best and smart. When he had his boating accident my wife Carol was just completing training as a physical therapist and he came to her clinic and was under her care in the pool. He will be missed by us both. God Bless!! Our condolences to the family.
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Carl Campisi
September 8, 2023
Ray and I served in the US Army (The Big Red One) at Fort Riley, Kansas. We became friends and will miss him. My condolences to the family. He was a true hero.
Adrienne Gowder
September 8, 2023
He was such a kind and loving person. My condolences to the family you all are in my prayers.
Tina Hiyer
September 7, 2023
What a great man! A great loss!
I only have the best memories of Mr Giovannelli growing up!
I pray our dad’s are hanging out together in Paradise!!
Jerry Giovannelli
September 7, 2023
“If you're gonna be one, be a BIG RED 1!”
I don’t have to rely on memories of you or read your journal articles to recapture who you were.
You live within my soul.
You changed the trajectory of life.
My kids know of you.
And their kids will know of you.
Say hello to Mr. Farina and my Dad for me Ray. Give Phyllis a big kiss too!
See you on the high ground, Raymond.
Love you.
-Jerry Giovannelli
Carol Harczak
September 7, 2023
I am so very sorry for you loss. It's hard losing one parent much less 2 in the same year. The only thing that might bring you comfort is that he's with Phyllis. After almost 60 years together, I'm sure he missed her. We got close these last 15 years while I was taking care of the townhouse and I know he was one of Richard's good friends. I use to see him at the lakes when he had his boat and he was always so much. Richard had such great stories to tell about Ray and Chuck, the bakery, their mom and dad and Niles. Rest in peace Ray.
Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results
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Memorial Events
for Raymond Giovannelli
Sep
14
Visitation
4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Skaja Terrace Funeral Home - Niles7812 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Niles, IL 60714
Sep
15
Sep
15
Funeral Mass
10:00 a.m.
St. John Brebeuf Church
Giovannelli, IL
Funeral services provided by:
Skaja Terrace Funeral Home - Niles7812 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Niles, IL 60714