John Laurenzana, Sr.

John Laurenzana Sr., 89, of Springfield, died at 5:49 a.m. on Saturday, October 6, 2012 at Memorial Medical Center. John was born December 4, 1922 in Springfield, the son of Salvatore "Sam" and Madeline "Lena" Santella Laurenzana. He married Betty Cutrell on June 16, 1946 in Springfield. John proudly served our country during WWII in the United States Army as an engineer, where he was a Silver Star recipient. He spent his life working in construction as a laborer and was the superintendent on many jobs in the area. John belonged to Laborers Local 477 and Local 916, was a member of Living Vine Prayer Group, Right to Life and Full Gospel Fellowship. He was a loving man who enjoyed exercising, yard work, working and staying busy, spending time with his grandchildren, and loving his wife every day for 66 incredible years. He was preceded in death by his parents, and four brothers, Frank, Joe, Charlie and Albert; and son-in-law, Gary Childs. He is survived by his wife, Betty Laurenzana of Springfield; one son, John Laurenzana II of Springfield; one daughter, JoAnn Childs of Peoria; three grandchildren, Laura Laurenzana, John (wife, Ashley) Laurenzana III, and Katie Childs; one great-grandchild, Vivian Laurenzana; five siblings, James Laurenzana, George (wife, Della) Laurenzana, Phyllis Blackburn, Mary (husband, Bob) Walters, and Rose (husband, Bob) Heaton. Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 9, 2012 at Kirlin-Egan, and Butler Funeral Home, 900 South 6th Street, Springfield. Visitation will begin with a prayer service at 4:00 p.m. Funeral Mass: 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, October 10, 2012 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, with Fr. Edgar celebrant, and Rev. Jeff Grant concelebrant. Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to: Blessed Sacrament School, 748 W. Laurel St., Springfield, IL 62704.