Joseph M. Curatolo

1923 - 2022

Joseph M. Curatolo
Born: April 19, 1923 in LaSalle, IL
Died: April 4, 2022 in LaSalle, IL
Joseph M. Curatolo, 98, of LaSalle, passed away Monday, April 4, 2022 at the Illinois Veterans Home in LaSalle.
A prayer service will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, April 9, 2022 at the Mueller-Pagani Funeral Home, LaSalle followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 AM at the Queen of the Holy Rosary Church, LaSalle with Rev. Gregory Jarzombek, OSB officiating. Burial will follow in St. Vincent's Cemetery, LaSalle with full military rites conducted by the LaSalle-Oglesby Veterans Memorial Group. Visitation will be held 9-11:00 AM Saturday at the funeral home.
Joe was born April 19, 1923 in LaSalle to Anthony and Pauline (Campisi) Curatolo. He married Rosalie Jurczenko on February 3, 1952.
Joe graduated from LaSalle-Peru High School in 1940. After high school, he worked at Westclox. Later he was employed by LaSalle Public Schools as a custodian. He worked there for thirty-five years. He worked at Matthiessen and Lincoln Junior High School. He retired in 1989.
Joe enlisted in the U.S. Navy on November 13, 1942. He graduated from the United States Naval Radio Training School at the University of Wisconsin in Madison. He took amphibious training with both the Marines and the Army at the Little Rock Creek Amphibious Base in Virginia. Joe served overseas in the Mediterranean Theatre of Operations during World War II as a radio man on an LST transport ship. After his tour of duty in Italy and France, he participated in the invasion of Anzio and Southern France. He was honorably discharged on November 15, 1945, with the rank of Petty Officer 1/C CRM First Class.
Joe was a life member of VFW Post 4668 in LaSalle. He was a member of Holy Rosary Church, LaSalle for many years and most recently was a member of St. Hyacinth's Church, LaSalle. He ushered for both churches. Joe was a jack of all trades who could fix anything! Grandpa Joe loved all his grandchildren and grand dogs unconditionally.
Survivors include three daughters, Jane (Bill) Kearney of Scottsdale, AZ, Lori (Rich) Brodzik of LaSalle and Jodi (Dr. Terry) Kunkel of Peru; six grandchildren, Abigail (Collin) McCormack of Issaquah, WA, Emily (Colby) Pasholk of Yorkville, Christopher (Sumar) Kasik of Mesa, AZ, Alexandra (Bob) Holmes of Chandler, AZ, Katherine (Paul) Bruins of Ashburn, VA and Christina Kunkel of Longmont, CO; five great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Rosalie and several brothers and sisters.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Illinois Veterans Home in LaSalle or Illinois Valley Animal Rescue.
The online guestbook may be viewed and remembrances shared at www.MuellerFH.com.