Joseph John Sollami

Herrin- Joseph John Sollami, 96, of Herrin, passed away at 6:37 PM, Tuesday, January 7, 2025 at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Marion.
Joseph was born on May 19, 1928 in Freeman Spur to Phillip and Antonette (Cappellano) Sollami. He married Virginia Lee Calvert on October 27, 1951 at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Herrin. Joe and Virginia shared over 73 years of marriage. She survives.
Joseph enlisted in the US Army during WWII. He served bravely with the 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Division on Kyushu, Japan. He assisted in the training of troops and was a platoon guide for parades and reviews. He was in charge of a 12 man-relief and was honorably discharged as a sergeant.
After discharge from the US Army he returned home and had many trades: he worked as a butcher and ran a grocery store. He later entered his long career as an Illinois state health inspector. He worked at Bi-County Health, Illinois Dept of Public Health and did grant work with the Environmental Protection Agency; he served as a sanitation inspector, also inspecting parks, recreation areas, camps restaurants and nursing homes. He retired after 30 years in 1989 from the State of Illinois.
He was a member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Herrin. He was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus, Herrin Eagles and American Legion Post. He was a huge fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
He was passionate about hunting and fishing. Each hunting trip was with intention to bring home food. He was known for hunting squirrel, rabbit and deer. He was an amazing gardener and produced wonderful vegetables including tomatoes and the "family" garlic.
His sense of humor and joking personality will be missed by all who knew and loved him. He had a remarkable memory and loved to talk on the phone once he was unable to get out and socialize. He leaves behind many people who held a special affection for him. He was one of a kind and to know him was to love him.
Survivors include his wife- Virginia Lee Sollami of Herrin, daughters- Antonette "Toni" (Robert) Foster of Herrin and Lisa Masters of Herrin; adopted son- Jeremy Lee Sollami of Herrin; grandchildren- Beth Foster Preston of Anna, Brian Preston of Herrin, Joseph (Sara) Foster of Marion, Ashli (Trevor) Benton of Herrin, Marissa (Jerry) Mares of Mt. Vernon and Brandon, Kelly and Christy; great grandchildren- Joseph, Mia, Jenna, Dominik, Lilyana, Ryleigh, Dakota and Dirk; brothers- Phillip Sollami of Herrin and Jim Sollami of Herrin; nieces and nephews- Sherry, Laura, Debbie, Kathleen, Madeline, Robin, Cathy, Jody, Roger and Mark.
He was preceded in death by his parents, son- Mike Sollami, brother Sam Sollami and brother Frank Sollami who gave the ultimate sacrifice at Iwo Jima.
The family expresses their heartfelt gratitude to the Marion VA, CLC, HBPC team and 3rd floor for the exceptional care and support he received during his time there. Your dedication to your patients is truly commendable. A special thanks to his personal caregivers, Kathy and Gavi and his nurse Roger who visited his home daily.
A memorial mass will be held at 11:00 AM, Thursday, January 16, 2025 at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Herrin. Fr. Mark Reyling will officiate. Military rites will follow at the mass and take place at the church by the Herrin and Carterville American Legion and VFW Posts with assistance from the Illinois National Guard. Memorial services were entrusted to McCluskie-Miller Funeral Home in Herrin.
Memorial donations are suggested to the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church and will be accepted there or may be mailed to McCluskie-Miller Funeral Home/ 501 S. 12th/ Herrin, IL 62948.
For more information please visit mccluskiemillerfh.com. I'm
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