Philip John LoDolce

January 3, 1941 – February 8, 2025

It is with deep sadness and joyful hope in the Lord that we announce the passing of Philip John LoDolce, who peacefully departed to be with Jesus on February 8, 2025. Philip, affectionately known to many as Phil or Poppy, was born on January 3, 1941, to Joseph and Angeline LoDolce in Chicago, Illinois.

Philip was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Angeline, and his brothers, Joseph, Ronald, and Thomas. He was also preceded in death by his beloved grandson, Jeremy. He leaves behind a large and loving family, including his sweetheart Maria Pawlak, his children Gina (Nick), Philip (Lisa), Richard (Margie), and John (Elizabeth) and his friends Donna (Ken) Haeger.

“Poppy” was a proud grandfather to Frankie (Jessie), Nina, Philip, Natalie (Williams), Karlie, Grace (Michael), Ricky, Danny (Madison), Angelina, Elise, and Giovanni. He was also blessed with great-grandchildren: Amelia, Eleanor, Cecilia, Eliza, Audrey, Cora, Charlee, Adalynn, Gabriel, Amara, Levi, Emma, Finn, Henry, and Mila.

After graduating from St George High School, Philip attended DePaul University before taking over LoDolce Meat Company, the family meat business specializing in Italian sausage and corned beef. He ran the company until his retirement and was voted the best Italian Sausage in Chicagoland multiple times. Throughout his life, he found joy in cooking and being able to tell you what spices were in the dish by taste. Music was a profound part of his life. He made lifelong friendships and took 1st place nationally playing the bugle with The Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps. He loved motorcycling around the country on his Honda Goldwing. He also took leadership/sponsor roles in The International Thomas Merton Society, Contemplative Outreach Chicago, and the A.A. His faith was central to his life, and he took part in church community activities and prayers at Mary of Queen Heaven Church in Cicero, IL.

Philip’s Living Wake, held on January 18, 2025, was a testament to the lives he touched. Over 100 family members and friends gathered to offer prayers and heartfelt tributes, celebrating the profound impact he had on all who knew him through the power of Jesus Christ.

We extend our deepest gratitude to all those who contributed to making Philip’s Living Wake and end of life so meaningful by fulfilling his wish to be surrounded by his loved ones. Your calls, visits, and support meant the world to him and to us. In lieu of flowers or gifts, Philip’s final message was clear: “Life is short. I know there are people in this room who haven’t talked with one another in years. Love each other and forgive each other. Please, drop the resentments and forgive one another just as Christ forgives us.”

Philip will be cremated, as per his request. His family finds comfort knowing that he is now in the presence of the Lord.

We are eternally grateful for the love and kindness shown by family and friends. As we mourn his loss, we also celebrate the life of a man who sought to live a life of hope, faith, and love. His legacy will live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate to know him.

As Dad, Phil, Poppy would say, “Bye for now!” Until we meet again.

Revelation 21:4

He (Almighty God) will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.