Joseph Laurenzana

Joseph Laurenzana, 82, of Springfield, died at 3:08 a.m. December 29, 2008 at Baylor Regional Medical Center in Grapevine, TX. He was born February 24, 1926 in Springfield the son of Salvatore "Sam" and Madeline "Lena" Sontella Laurenzana. He married Lee Ann Lufkin on August 2, 1971 in Mountain Home, AR. She preceded him death in September 2008. He was also preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Frank, Charles and Albert Laurenzana. Joseph proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during WWII and was awarded the Purple Heart in the Battle of the Bulge. He also received a Combat Infantryman Badge and three Battle Stars while serving in Europe. He was employed as a laborer by R.D. Lawrence Construction Company, BRH Builders and the State of Illinois Department of Corrections. He was a member of Laborers International Union of North America - Local 477 since July 1955. He was also a member of VFW Post 10302. He is survived by his son, Mark A. (wife, Kim) Roth of Springfield; two grandchildren, Tyson and Sophie Roth; three brothers, John (wife, Betty) Laurenzana, James Laurenzana and George (wife, Della) Laurenzana all of Springfield; three sisters, Phyllis Blackburn of Panama City, FL, Mary (husband, Robert) Walters of Arkansas, Rose (husband, Robert) Heaton of Sarasota, FL and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Family will receive friends from 5:00-8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 6, 2009 at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Funeral mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, January 7, 2009 at Church of the Little Flower with Rev. Msgr. John R. Ossola, celebrant. Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery with military honors provided by the Interveterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County and the Department of Defense. Memorials may be made to Don Heaton, 2216 Keokuk, Springfield, IL 62702 to help defray medical expenses for his granddaughter, Kali Creviston.