Donald F Gianessi

Born January 15, 1932 in Orchard Mines to Frank and Mary Suledea (Antonini) Gianessi, he married Rose Marie Schleich on June 14, 1952 in Wheaton.   She survives.

Also surviving are 5 sons, Daniel (Jeri Lynn) Gianessi, Joe (Stacy) Gianessi, and Michael Gianessi, all of Pekin, Gary (Laura) Gianessi of New Albany, Ohio, and David Gianessi of Weirton, West Virginia; 4 daughters, Diane Gianessi of South Pekin, Donna Taylor, Brenda Gianessi, and Tina Gianessi, all of Pekin; 40 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and 6 great-great-grandchildren.

His parents and 1 granddaughter, Emily Ann Gianessi, preceded him in death.

He was a United States Marine Corps veteran.

Don had worked as a machinist at Hiram Walker and Sons in Peoria for 25 years, retiring in 1981.  He also had worked as a machinist at the Peoria Journal Star, a meat packer at Callahan Meat Packing Company, and a maintenance man at St. Augustine Manor, all in Peoria.

He was a member of Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Pekin.  He was a life member of the Knights of Columbus Archbishop Schlarman Council 3507 in Pekin.  He was involved in Cursillo and prison ministry.

Don was an avid fisherman and hunter.  He also enjoyed gardening.

His funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, November 27, 2010 at Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Pekin.  Father James Pankiewicz will be the celebrant.  Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin, where the recitation of the Rosary will be at 3:30 p.m.  Burial will be in Lakeside Cemetery in Pekin with military rites accorded by the United States Marine Corps and Tazewell Area Ceremonial Team.

Memorial contributions may be made to Missionaries of Charity, 506 Hancock Street, Peoria, IL 61603-3804.

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