Gerald "Jerry" Agatucci

Gerald "Jerry" Agatucci, 87, of Peoria, Illinois, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. A beloved community figure and co-owner of Peoria's landmark Italian restaurant, Agatucci's.
Jerry was born January 4, 1938, in Peoria, a son to Frank and Anne (Vespa) Agatucci. Jerry was raised and educated in Peoria, graduating with the Class of 1956. After high school, Jerry honorably served in the United States Army, and on July 24, 1965, he married Sophie M. Funk, together they would cherish 60 years.
Survivors include his wife, Sophie; two sons: Frank (Kimberly) Agatucci of Chapel Hill, North Carolina and Daniel (Julie) Agatucci of Peoria; and three grandchildren: Addison, Katherine and Elizabeth Agatucci.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, James Agatucci.
Jerry devoted his life to good food, good company and making everyone who walked through his doors feel like family. Under his care and hospitality, the family restaurant is celebrating its 100th year in operation in 2026. A testament more to Jerry's warmth, memory, and genuine connection with people than the family's incredible recipes. He was known for his remarkable ability to remember every customer's name, their stories and even birthdays. A rare and special gift that made everyone feel valued and part of the family.
Beyond the restaurant, Jerry dedicated himself to giving back. Through countless spaghetti dinners (cooking over 700 pounds of dry spaghetti per event), his famously tongue-in-cheek "No-Run Run for Diabetes," a 0 KM race, and the D.A.G.O. (Diabetes Annual Golf Outing) he raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for diabetes research. Jerry would personally hand write letters to business leaders seeking donations for the cause. His most cherished responses were from Arnold Palmer, who sent a set of golf clubs and a handwritten response, as well as a phone call, from the then CEO of Chrysler Corporation, Lee Iacocca, who was touched by Jerry's dedication and passion for juvenile diabetes.
Gerald's legacy is one of kindness, generosity and community spirit. He leaves behind his family, friends and countless patrons who were all better for having known him.
Visitation will be held at St. Philomena Catholic Church on Monday, November 17, 2025 from 4:00 pm until time of recitation of the rosary at 7:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Philomena Catholic Church on Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at 10:30 am with an additional visitation one hour prior to mass. Father Luke Spannagel will officiate, and burial will follow in Resurrection Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association.
Friends and family are encouraged to log onto www.wrightandsalmon.com to sign the online guestbooks, submit photos and share Jerry's memorial page via social media.