Glenn James Masek

1924 - 2021

Glenn James Masek
Born: August 24, 1924 in Joliet, IL
Died: August 13, 2021 in Joliet, IL
Glenn James Masek, 96, a life-long resident of Joliet, died peacefully at his home on Friday, Aug. 13, 2021, following a long, fun-filled, love-filled, well-lived life.
He was born Aug. 24, 1924, in Joliet, the third son of John Louis Masek and Kathryn Helen Loftus Masek.
He was a graduate of Joliet Catholic High School, where he played on the varsity football team. At 18 years old, he enlisted in the U.S. Army during World War II, served in the South Pacific, and participated in the invasion of Okinawa. After the war, he returned to Joliet, where he married Helen Margaret Gleason in May 1949.
Glenn was employed at Texaco in Lockport for 40 years, retiring in 1981. He was a member of the Cathedral of Saint Raymond Nonnatus.
He is survived by three sons, Terry of Moline, Ill., Richard (Pat) of Naperville, Ill., and Mark of Pasadena, Calif.; three grandchildren, Eric (Amy) Masek of Lombard, Ill., Carrie (John) Larson of Naperville, Ill., and Lena (Ricky) Roberson of Chicago, Ill.; and two great-grandchildren, Jay and Ty Larson.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Helen, in 2014, as well as his parents, and two brothers, John Francis "Jack" Masek and Raymond John Masek.
In recent years, Glenn lived at Solstice Senior Living in Joliet, where his fellow residents, friends, and family will remember him for his quick wit and sense of humor, his smooth moves on the dance floor, and his participation in entertainment and karaoke events, where "My Way" was his favorite song.
The Executive Director of Solstice described Glenn this way, and his family couldn't agree more: "Glenn was a joy and an inspiration, and he will be terribly missed. He was a shining light, a fighter, and a good friend to all. He spent his last few months enjoying life, playing poker with his friends, blowing kisses to the ladies, and dancing to the music."
Glenn's family would like to sincerely thank the management and employees at Solstice, the kind and compassionate assistance from Lightways (formerly Joliet Area Community Hospice), and John Antipuesto of Safe at Home Health Care for being a trusted and dependable care-giver.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Lightways, 250 Water Stone Circle, Joliet, IL 60431.
Memorial Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 28, at the Cathedral of Saint Raymond Nonnatus, with burial at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Joliet.
And never forget to dance to the music.