- Date Of Death: September 27, 2012
- State: Illinois
Dr. Gene “Doc” Ossello O.D., age 100, passed away, Thursday, September 27, 2012, in South Holland, IL. Dr. Ossello has resided with his wife Carol in South Holland, IL for 40 years.
They have four children: Judy(Joseph) Huffman, Edward(Joyce) Ossello, Scott(Alexis) Gilbert, and Tom(Deb) Gilbert; four grandchildren: Amy(Scott) Collier, Tina(Mike) Sweeney, Krista(Doug) Brown, and Jayme Ossello and three great-grandchildren: Kourtney and Eric Collier and Allison Sweeney. He has been an optometrist for over 60 years, with an office in South Holland. A graduate of the Monroe College of Optometry in 1942, he also received a Bachelor of Physical Education from the American College of Physical Education. A past chairman of the Illinois Optometric Board of Examiners, and a past President of the Chicago South Side Optometric Society, he was selected as the “Optometrist of the Year” in 1984. In 1986 he was named “Man of the Year” by the South Holland Garden Club and served as Vice Chairman of the Bi-Centennial Commission and member of the South Holland Planning Commission. He also served as President and Executive Director of the South Holland Business Association. In 1988 Dr. Ossello was given the “Community Affairs Recognition Award” by the Greater South Suburban Board of Realtors and was named “Man of the Year” by the Chicago South Chamber of Commerce. Dr. Ossello is a past member of the Illinois Association Chamber of Commerce Executives. He was also the Junior Governor of the Loyal Order of Moose, Director of Roseland Kiwanis Club International, and Director of the Roseland-Pullman area Sports Hall of Fame. Politically, Dr. Ossello was Chairman of “Citizens for Congressman Edward J. Derwinski” for 16 years. He was also chairman of State Representative Bob Piel”s Citizens Committee for six years.
