Michael Spilotro

Michael (Mike) Joseph Silotro was born May 22, 1935, to Michele Spilotro and Selma Riebe. He was baptized at Holy Rosary Church in Chicago., IL on August 25, 1935. His Godparents are Mary Manella and Tony Abatte.

When Mike was in high school, he remembers helping his family build their big house right next to the small one they were living in. Mike graduated from Leyden Township High School, Franklin Park, IL in 1954. Mike joined the Army Active Reserves and received his honorable discharge in 1963. Michael Joseph Spilotro and Joan Patricia Maurey were married May 24, 1958, in Lansing, IL.

Mike worked for many years as a carpenter for the Arlington Heights Park District. In 1982 he was named Midwest Institute of Park Executives Outstanding Employee of the Year. When awarded this honor, he was very proud but also very modest responding, “It’s hard to believe, I was just doing my job, and I feel very fortunate to have so many nice people to work with.” After 21 years of service, in June 1996 Mike retired from the Park District.

After retirement he enjoyed volunteering as an instructor at the Arlington Heights Senior Center. He was very patient and knowledgeable instructor and many of his seniors became lifelong friends. He taught dozens of seniors about the art of wood carving and wood working. He liked being able to pass on the sense of satisfaction and achievement that comes from using one’s skills to transform plain pieces of wood into something that could be used in the home or displayed as art. Mike was also the President of the North Suburban Wood Carvers for three years. When he wasn’t working with wood, Mike enjoyed golfing and fishing in Canada with his son and brother and many Hawaiian cruises with all of his grandchildren. Mike was a loving father, helping his children whenever he needed it. He especially loved his roles as grandfather and great-grandfather.

Michael is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Joan Patricia Spilotro (Maurey). children; Pam (Steve) Conway, Steve (Stella) Spilotro and Beth Chuck) Stevens; grandchildren, Tom, Sara, Steven, Dana, and Nicole. great-grandchildren, Kylie, Sebastian, William and Eliana.

Michael is preceded in death by his parents, Michele and Selma (Riebe) Spilotro; siblings, Joseph Spilotro (Nitsa), Marianne Larimore (Bob), Martha Iversen (Ed) and Wallace Spilotro.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 am until the 10:00 am Funeral Mass on Tuesday, September 13, 2022, at Saint Edna Catholic Church, 2525 North Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, IL 60004. Interment will be at All Saints Cemetery in Des Plaines.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Edna Catholic Church, Paws Chicago or JourneyCare Hospice.Funeral Information and condolences can be given at www.GlueckertFH.com or (847) 253-0168.