Gene Tassi

Gene Tassi, age 93, a resident of Naperville, IL since 2001, born and raised in Melrose Park, IL, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 4, 2024, at Edward Hospital in Naperville. Gene was born on September 20, 1930, in Melrose Park.
Beloved husband of Mary "Mitzi" Tassi, a resident of StoryPoint of Naperville, whom he married on May 16, 1959. Gene was loving father of Mary Frances (Bob) Sammarco of Glen Ellyn, Il, Sue (Victor) Bellisario, of Naperville and Dave (Katie) Tassi of Naperville, adored grandfather of Gina, Jimmy (Jackie) and Natalie Sammarco; Samantha Bellisario and Juliet (Mike) Borkowski; Lisa and Anne Tassi, cherished great-grandfather of Robert and Rose Sammarco, devoted son of the late Maria and Nicola Tassi, son-in-law of the late Julia and John Mocnik, fond brother, brother-in-law, uncle, great-uncle and friend of many.
Gene was born in his parent's home in Melrose Park, IL, and graduated from Our Lady of Mount Carmel Grade School and Proviso Township High School (now Proviso East) in Maywood, IL. After one year training to be a jockey at Thistledown Race Track in North Randall, OH, he returned and earned a technical degree from DeVry in television repair. Gene opened his own business in the early 1950's and was a respected business owner known for his honesty and fairness. In 1977, as T.V.s evolved to solid state technology he reversed course and opened Gee's Hot Dogs, a classic Chicago hot dog stand in Melrose Park. For ten years Gene served the many patrons great food, friendly conversation, and a lot of laughs. His last employment was with the street department in the very same village where he was born.
A lifelong sports fan, Gene was especially fond of bowling and baseball, coaching little league and cheering on his beloved Cubs. But most important to him was family and the examples he left will forever be cherished.
A memorial visitation will be held on Friday, February 9, 2024, 4:00-8:00 PM at Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 44 S. Mill St., Naperville, IL 60540.
Family and friends will meet Saturday, February 10, 11:00 AM to celebrate at a Mass of Christian Burial at SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, 36 N. Ellsworth St., Naperville, IL 60540.
Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Gene's memory may be made to a local Catholic church of the donor's choice.
For more information, please call (630) 355-0213 or visit www.friedrich-jones.com