Melissa Ann Giacchetti

Melissa Ann Giacchetti passed away at age 40 in Lindenhurst Illinois on April 15th, 2024. She was born on November 9, 1983, in Whittier California and named for the beautiful song by The Allman Brothers Band. She leaves us with the memory and inspiration of her fearlessness, drive, and fierce passion she put into all things that she loved. Melissa's family was always foremost in her mind.
She was raised by her mother, Tina and stepfather Dan Tatera, along with her father Steven and stepmother Shelley Fiorito. She held them and her siblings, Jessica Cox (Earl), Maria Tomlinson (Mike), Guy Tomlinson, and stepsiblings Eric and Donny Tatera, close to her heart.
Melissa was a loving aunt to nieces, Mia Portillo, Aubrey and Sophia Tomlinson, and nephews, Dillon and Austin Rushing. She poured out all that she had been given to all that she could give.
Most of her life was marked by the time and love that she devoted to service. She proudly held the rank of sergeant in the United States Army. As Melissa served the Intelligence Community, her desire for discovery grew. This led to travel after her service had ended, to such places as Thailand, and other destinations, making memories she would hold dear for the rest of her life.
Melissa immersed herself in the people, places, things, and events she loved. She was a loyal Chicago Blackhawks fan who also loved to bake, always letting those she loved join in as a way of spreading the joy that she wanted them to have. She exemplified herself by what she loved, with her want to be like "Catwomen", a character she found herself belongingness in.
Melissa had a strong love for animals. She was a pure soul, wanting those who had less to experience better. She especially loved Pitbulls, who she felt were victims of an unfair stigma. She became a defender of the breed and gave the Pitbulls she was blessed with a chance to experience a loving home and loving arms.
Melissa's passing will leave the kind of heartache that is hard to heal, but the memories that have been made with her leave us with a love that no one can ever take. Her life teaches us that when all else crumbles, connection and love remain the most important aspects of our lives. Melissa's spirit should always encourage us to take a leap of faith and pursue our dreams in spite of our fears.
As we bid farewell to Melissa, we know this is not the end; she will continue to live inside of us, and in turn, we will keep her light alive in the hopes that she will guide us just as a star would through the darkest night. May she rest in peace knowing that she was loved and will never be forgotten.
In lieu of flowers send donations to MAPS.org (Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies) https://maps.org
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Justen's Round Lake Funeral Home. For information, please call the Funeral Home at 847-546-3300, or visit www.justenfh.com, where friends and loved ones may share memories of Melissa on her tribute wall.