Jack James Federico

Jack James Federico, 93, of Springfield, passed away on Wednesday, May 13, 2015 at St. John�s Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. He will be greatly missed by his beloved wife, of 61 years, Barbara Federico (Love), his devoted daughter Casendria Austin and his cherished and loving grandchildren Jake and Cole Austin. He is also survived by his adoring nieces and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents, Carmine and Irene Federico, his brother, James Federico and his sister Rosemarie Barrow. Born Nov. 3, 1921 and raised in West New York, New Jersey, a few towns away from Hoboken, N.J., where his favorite singer, Frank Sinatra lived, so Jack listened to his music quite frequently. Jack also loved Broadway plays and musicals and saw several N.Y. plays growing up. Jack served proudly in World War II as a Seabee in the US Navy. When he returned from service, he worked at Idlewild (now JFK) and N.Y. LaGuardia as an airplane mechanic for TWA Airlines where he met his wife Barbara. He moved his family to Waverly, Illinois in 1959 to work with his father-in-law, Albert Love, successfully managing the family farming business until he retired in 1987. Jack and Barbara moved to Springfield, IL in 2007. He was a big sports fan and loved baseball, from the NY Yankees to the Chicago Cubs. He also loved to travel all over the world. After retiring, Jack took up golf with friends and cooked an occasional meatball! Jack was a longtime member of the Waverly Lions Club and Waverly American Legion Post 0262, as well as a lifetime member of the VFW and served 1 term on the Waverly City Council. Jack was proud to fly in June 2014 on the Military Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. Jack was a member of Our Lady of Libria in West New York, N.J. and attended St. Sebastian Catholic Church in Waverly, IL. Jack was very proud of his Italian heritage and his sense of humor and big personality endeared him to everyone that crossed his path. He will truly be missed by all those that knew him. His family will greet friends from 4-8pm on Friday, May 15, 2015 at Staab Polk Memorial Home, 8855 State Route 4, Chatham. Funeral Mass will be held at10:30am on Saturday, May 16, 2015 at the Funeral Home, with Father Enlow and Pastor Nelsen as celebrants. Burial will be at Waverly East Cemetery following services. The Waverly American Legion Burial Detail will conduct military honors. Memorial contributions may be made to the Waverly Fire and Rescue Squad, P.O. Box18, Waverly, IL 62692 or to Lincoln Honor Flight, 57 Country Place, Springfield, IL 62703.