- Date Of Birth: August 14, 1922
- Date Of Death: September 13, 2014
- State: Illinois
Joseph S. Gerace, 92, of LaSalle, passed away Saturday, September 13, 2014, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria. Mr. Gerace was born August 14, 1922 in LaSalle, to Peter Bernardo and Angeline (Colletti) Gerace.
He served in the US Navy during WWII, serving as a Pharmacist Mate 1St Class. Joe was the last to serve in WWII of 5 Gerace brothers who served in WWII. He married Rose Mary D’Amore on June 29, 1946, in St. Matthew’s Church, Chicago. She passed away on January 31, 2008. He worked at Alpha Cement and later for the City of LaSalle Street department for 12 years. He was a first aid instructor of the American Red Cross for 25 years. He was a member of Holy Rosary Church, LaSalle, Men’s Club, Past President of Mother Cabrini, Past commander of LaSalle VFW, Past State Commander of the VFW, Past 9th District commander of the VFW, AARP in Oglesby, Department of Illinois Wags and Men’s Committee of VFW, Oglesby American Legion, Knights of Columbus Starved Rock 4th Degree council and the Knights of Columbus retirees club.
He is survived by a son, Joseph B. Gerace of Wheaton, and a daughter, Michelene “Mickie” Gerace of LaSalle; 2 grandchildren, Joseph Lucas and Jenny Ryan; 5 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; and one sister, Josephine Monestero of Naples, FL.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Rose Mary, a granddaughter, Jackie Lucas; 6 brothers, Frank, Vince, Dom, Sam, Pete, and Phil Gerace; two sisters, Frances Strohmaier and Catherine Welch.
