Paul Richard Antonini

Born September 25, 1945 in Pekin, he was a son of Gerald and Marie "Molly" Catherine (Delsoto) Antonini. His parents preceded him in death.

Surviving are his sons, P.J. Antonini of Pekin and Chase (Robyn) Antonini of Knoxville, Tennessee; his grandchildren, Landen and Lainee, both of Pekin; his great-granddaughter, Lennon Antonini; his sister, Judy Marion of Pekin; a brother, Larry Antonini of New Mexico; his loving companion, Ann Potter of Pekin, and many nieces and nephews.

Paul was a United States Marine Corps veteran serving as an artillery survey specialist from March 24, 1966 until his honorable discharge as a sergeant on March 23, 1968.

He will be remembered as a true craftsman and legend in his trade. Paul was a general contractor who owned and operated Antonini Construction in Pekin since 1970. Paul never really retired, he was truly dedicated to his work, and always proud of the quality that went into his projects, and going above and beyond his customers’ expectations.

He also was a patriot and was a life member of the Paul Towne Memorial Amvets Post 169 in North Pekin, William Schaefer American Legion Post 44 in Pekin, Roy L. King Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1232 in Pekin and Tobin-Nanninga Marine Corps League Detachment #085 in Pekin. He was a member of Pekin Moose Family Center 916 and Pekin Eagles Aerie 1869.

Paul loved watching golfing, boxing, racing of any sort and was all about working hard, pretty girls and going fast. In past years, he enjoyed fly fishing, snowmobiling, and enjoyed going to compete in truck pulls with close friends.

He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pekin.

His visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 12, 2025 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. A funeral Mass will then be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 13, 2025 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pekin. Father Michael Andrejek will officiate. Burial will follow the Mass in Prairie Haven Cemetery in Pekin, with military rites accorded by the United States Marine Corps. and the Tazewell Area Ceremonial Team.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Pekin Park Foundation, 1701 Court Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com