Joseph S. Alengo

Joseph Alengo, 93, an educator for 34 years, served as a high school, junior high and elementary school teacher as well as an elementary school principal in both Chicago and Lombard, Illinois.

A resident of Bickford Senior Living in Gurnee, Illinois, he passed peacefully in his sleep on October 16, 2026.

“My Dad kept his youthful enthusiasm throughout his career,” said his son, Dr. David Alengo, “always open to new ideas in education.”

“He always wanted to make his school better during his watch. He was a kind and loving guy, always kind to new hires, remembering he had been one himself.”

Mr. Alengo graduated from Schurz High School, then went on to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree and began teaching high school before being drafted into the U.S. Navy; he was hired in Lombard after his discharge.

In high school Mr. Alengo became a varsity basketball starter on a team that made it into the playoffs while also enjoying participating in stage plays. He later became interested in radio and worked as a disc jockey for WKDC, Elmhurst. He had a book published, Tales Out of School, which was a collection of essays of choice experiences and more recently returned to radio at WHRU-LP, Huntley. During his tenure at WHRU he was honored when Stream Licensing, an important national radio agency, wrote congratulations to the station because his “Big Band Genre” was selected from their directory to be featured on well over a thousand radio stations; “recognized by your industry peers.” That award was the basis for a feature story in the local newspaper.

His wife of 68 years, Elaine Taylor Alengo, passed away earlier this year. He is survived by his son David Alengo (Keiko), daughter Cynthia Fletcher (Gregg), grandchildren Jeffrey Fletcher, Robert Fletcher, Josh Alengo, Jackie Casares (Joe), Kit Alengo, Coady Johnson, Lonnie Johnson, and great-grandchildren Liam, Samantha, Amy, Ivy and Jawon, his sister Sylvia Napier, brother-in-law Hank Napier, and many nieces, nephews and friends.

A visitation will be held on November 16, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, followed by a memorial service at 11:00 am, all at Marsh Funeral Home, 305 N Cemetery Rd, Gurnee, IL 60031.