Joseph Peota Jr.

In 1950 Joe enlisted in the US Marine Corp and rose to the rank of Sergeant and served in the Korean War. He and his unit sailed to Korea on a ship for thirteen days with a short stop in Japan. He made friends from all over the country and was proud to serve.

Joe met his future wife Loretta DiCicco at a family wedding. They wed in the family church in Chicago on May 31, 1952. Loretta was the love of his life and best friend. They lived in Illinois, Indiana and Florida over the years and loved traveling to Aruba and visiting Disney World. Some of their greatest joys were spending time with grandsons, great grandchildren, and hosting family gatherings. Joe and Loretta parted on their 64th wedding anniversary.

Joe attended and received a degree in art from the Chicago Academy of Art from 1952 to 1955. Joe began his career in the art department of Sears Roebuck and Co. He worked for Stowell Studios, a commercial photography studio for cataloguers such as Sears and Montgomery Ward. In 1979 he bought this business from its founders and owned it until 1995 when he retired, and son Scott took over the business. The family business is now run by his grandson Tim Peota as Centerpoint Marketing.

Joe always loved cars. He owned over eighty cars in his lifetime. His favorite car was a 1957 Ford, mint green with green and white interior. He was an avid golfer and creator of handmade items. In addition to being a prolific carpenter, clock maker, stained glass artist, needlepoint art, Joe made hundreds and hundreds of pizzelle cookies for his grandson’s restaurant in Arlington Heights, Passero.

Joe’s unwavering faith helped guide him in all aspects of his life and raising his family. He was very proud to serve in his church leading the Sunday School program and always took the opportunity to thoughtfully present the teachings of the Bible to young and old alike.

During his final years Joe made great friends and connections within Deer Park Village Senior Community in Deer Park, IL. He was known as “the reader” for years, often consuming multiple books a week.

Connecting with others was a gift of Joe’s that continues to amaze. He always was near to lend a helping hand and encouragement. A warm-hearted soul rarely without a smile and twinkle in his eyes. He leaves us with many good stories and inspiring life lessons. Including a love for cold root beer, gnocchi and meatballs.

Joe is survived by his children Scott Peota (Cherie) and Donna Peota (Curtis Burgess); his grandchildren Matthew (Rikki), Michael (Missy), Timothy (Ashley), Quinn and Aiden; his great-grandchildren Charlee, Jackson, Connor, Olivia, Teddy and Sully; his sister-in-law Lydia Giampoli, as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his wife, parents as well as his sister, Florence Simioni.

A visitation will take place at Glueckert Funeral Home on Saturday, October 17 from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm. A Prayer Service will begin at 1:00 pm with Military Honors to follow.

A Committal Service will take place at Memory Gardens Cemetery, 2501 East Euclid Ave, Arlington Heights, IL 60004, US, immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Lake County Honor Flight https://www.lakecountyhonorflight.org/ (select “Memorial Donation”) or to Quentin Road Christian School https://quentinroad.org/give/ (select “Christian School” on the drop-down menu, you may indicate ‘in memory of Joe Peota’ in the notes/memo area.) Funeral Information and condolences can be given at www.GlueckertFuneralHome.com or (847) 253-0168.