Lawrence B Ghidina

PEKIN ~ Lawrence B. "Jr." Ghidina, 81, of 1214 North Parkway Drive, passed away at 9:10 p.m. Thursday, May 13, 2010 at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria.Born Aug. 17, 1928 in Pekin to Lawrence A. and Lucrezia (Colledani) Ghidina, he married Marilyn Kay Haynes on Dec. 17, 1983 in Pekin.  She survives.Also surviving are his four daughters, Paula K. (Chris) O'Neill, Susan R. (Larry) Stuart, both of Pekin, Pamela S. (Dr. Scott) Starrett of Newburgh, IN and Cheryl L. (Mike) Skaggs of Manito; thirteen grandchildren, Stephanie Slack, Charlie Johnson, Courtney O'Neill, Nicole Starrett, Emily Starrett, Kelsey Starrett, Sarah Bargar, Michelle Bargar, Paige Stuart, Clayton Stuart, Nicholas Cicciarelli, Christian Ghidina and Cain Ghidina; ten great-grandchildren; three sisters, Lucy Murphy, Darlene Lowman and Pauline Filarski, all of Pekin; one brother, John Ghidina of Pekin and many nieces and nephews.  He also leaves his pet German shepherd mix, Rocky.He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Lawrence Eugene "Rocky" Ghidina on Jan. 29, 2008 in Pekin; two sisters and one brother.A United States Army veteran, Jr. served in Anchorage, Alaska from 1947 to 1950.  He retired from Keystone Steel and Wire Company in Bartonville in 1988, with 32 years of service in the nail mill.  In earlier years, he worked in the coal mines and as a coal delivery driver.  Following retirement he enjoyed small engine repair.Jr. loved to travel and enjoyed camping.  He was a fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and the Dallas Cowboys.   He also enjoyed cooking, baking and fishing.He was a member of Pekin Moose Family Center 916.  He also was a past president of the Italian-American Society and a former member of Pekin Eagles Aerie 1869. He was of the Christian faith.His private funeral will be on Sunday, May 16, 2010 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.  The Rev. Andrew Ramey will officiate.  Burial will follow in Kingston Mines Cemetery, with military rites accorded by the United States Army and the Tazewell Area Ceremonial Team.Memorial contributions may be made to Tazewell Animal Protective Society, 100 Taps Lane, Pekin, IL 61554.