Theodore "Ted" Roncoli

ELBURN – Theodore "Ted" Roncoli, 66, of Elburn, passed away in the early morning hours of Monday, March 15, 2010, at Weiss Hospital in Chicago.

He was born June 24, 1943, in Chicago, the son of Louis and Marie (Lapacinski) Roncoli.

Ted grew up in Oak Park and attended local schools.

Ted met the love of his life, Carol Gurschke, when she was only 16 through friends in Fox Lake, Ill., where Ted's family had a summer home. The teenage romance grew into a lifelong love and they were united in marriage on Feb. 8, 1964, recently celebrating their 46-year anniversary.

They began their new life in Oak Park, moving in 1968 to Hanover Park, eventually settling in 1973, in their present home in Elburn.

Ted began his working life by working at Helene Curtis and Sunbeam Corp. He then became his own boss for the next 41 years, owning several different businesses including Go-Tane and later Checker gas stations, a liquor store, Low Liquors in Warrenville, and, most recently, he rehabilitated homes through his own business, Roncoli Properties.

Ted was a longtime member of St. Charles Sportsman's Club and served on the board of directors as well. He also was a member of Elgin Marine Club.

Ted loved to be on the go and was either at the helm of a boat or behind the wheel of a Chevy Corvette. He was always waxing, polishing and detailing his cars or his boat. When he wasn't driving, Ted enjoyed watching the races on television. Ted loved to shoot trap and garnered a patch for shooting 75 in a row at St. Charles Sportsman's Club. When he was out in his boat or out on a pier, Ted enjoyed casting a line, hoping to land "the big one." Ted loved to be "Mr. Fix-it," tackling projects whether they were big or small, simple or the most complicated. In the eyes of his family, Ted was "The Big One," a once-in-a-lifetime catch for a husband, father and grandfather. He leaves a thousand memories and more for his family and friends to cherish for generations to come.

He now leaves his loving wife Carol; two daughters, Colette Roncoli of Elgin and Lisa Roncoli of Lombard; a granddaughter, Janessa Keun of Burlington; four siblings, Terri (Ken) Konajeski of Addison, Lou Roncoli of Addison, Larry (Phyllis) Roncoli of Bartlett and Ginny (Paul) Mallek of Addison; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and a circle of friends.

He now joins his parents, who preceded him in death.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Thursday, March 18, at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn. A funeral to celebrate his life will be at 11 a.m. Friday, March 19, at the funeral home. Private family interment will follow cremation at a later date.

A memorial has been established in his name to benefit the American Cancer Society. Checks may be made to the Theodore Roncoli Memorial and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Tributes may also be forwarded to the same address or on the web at www.conleycare.com.

For information, call Conley Funeral Home at 630-365-6414.