John A. Salemi Sr.

John is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Martie Salemi; children, John (Angela) Salemi, Michael (Teresa) Salemi, and Beth (Jim) Szpak; and grandchildren, Ava and Madison Salemi; DeJay Birden; Annalore (Heath), Anthony, and Sofia Salemi; August and Adelina Szpak.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his older sister, Madelyn Campana.

John was born in Chicago and grew up in Chicago’s Cragin neighborhood. He attended Weber High School in Chicago and DeVry University. John worked in various roles at Ircon, Inc., in Niles, Illinois, for 40 years, eventually becoming president of the company. John loved biking, bowling, photography, food, and spending as much time as possible with his family and beloved grandchildren. When he loved something, he dove in with joyful enthusiasm. The countless bikes and bowling balls he collected over the years say everything about that passion for life. John leaves behind a legacy of kindness, empathy, and devotion to his family. He will be remembered for his late-in-life sense of humor and his uncanny ability to fall asleep anywhere.

Any memorial donations in his name may be made to a charity close to his heart: Alzheimer’s Association alz.org or Autism United of Wisconsin autism-united.org or NAMI Chicago namichicago.org

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at 11 am, preceded by visitation hours from 9am-11 am, at Glueckert Funeral Home, 1520 North Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, Illinois 60004.