Jerry M. Vassalla

Age 97, late of the Lago Vista Community, Lockport, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 14, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. Reunited in death with his beloved Lucille (nee Tido) Vassalla, their love lives eternally after 73 years of devotion. Together, they provided a powerful model to the family they created. As the patriarch of his clan, Jerry leaves behind three dedicated children, Sandy (John) Painter, Sharon (Bill) Cassidy, and Jerry (Kelly) Vassalla. The legacy of his hard work, strong character, and commitment to his family lives on in them and has been fostered in his 8 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Jerry was a man of great pride, integrity, and faith. He bravely served his country in World War II as a member of the United States Navy and went on to have a successful career with the Sheet Metal Workers Union 73. He and his wife were devout parishioners of St. Symphorosa and engaged members of the Clearing neighborhood, where they raised their family and built a life. Jerry enjoyed constant motion. From tinkering in his garage with a coveted cigar and assisting with all things mechanical to keeping his home in perfect order, decorating meticulously for holidays, and making the rounds at the local shops to acquire the best groceries - his heart was always rooted in his home and family. A proud lifelong Chicagoan, his allegiance to the Windy City continued after his recent relocation to the suburb of Lockport.

Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, Genaro and Julia (nee Caputo) Vassalla; as well as his siblings and their spouses, Beatrice (Mike) Candela, Virginia (known as Dolly, married to Mike) Lucente, Annie (James) Cappetta, Marianne (Harry) Lovero, Victor (known as Toots and married to Josephine) Vassalla, Rose (James) Candela, Anthony (Mickey) Vassalla. As the youngest of 8 siblings, Jerry built strong friendships and connections with many nieces and nephews and their descendants, ties that survive to this day.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 22, 2023, in the O'Neil Funeral Home Chapel 1105 E. 9th St. Lockport, IL 60441 from 3:00pm until 7:00pm. Prayers will be held on Friday, June 23, 2023, at the funeral home 9:15am proceeding to St. Dennis Church, Lockport for Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00am. Following Mass Entombment St. Mary Catholic Cemetery, Evergreen Park, IL.