Minooka, Illinois — Joseph J. Sitar, Sr. passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, January 10, 2024.  Born in Riverside, New Jersey, February 11, 1939, to Joseph and Anne (Nee Bodine) Sitar.  In 1949, his family moved to Joliet, Illinois.  Joe proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps from March 30, 1956, to March 29, 1958. On October 24, 1959, he married his love, Sally (Nee Brennan).  Their love story spanned 64 years.  They made their home in Minooka, Illinois. Joe was employed by the EJ&E railroad as a switchman where he dedicated 44 years.  Upon retiring, Joe found joy following his grandchildren, claiming to be "their greatest fan", to all sporting events.  He was a member of Midwest Old Threshers, volunteering countless hours to "the greatest steam show on earth."  He completed Steam School, worked on steam engines, and drove his John Deere tractor each day of the 5-day reunion.  Joe shared his love for shark tooth hunting with his grandchildren taking them on "great shark hunts" and bragging on how many they would find.  He especially enjoyed his time on Nokomis Beach with Sally.

Joe was preceded in death by one son in infancy, John E. Sitar (1971), his parents, two sisters Anne Carey and Veronica Chapla; and his brothers-in-law Edward (late JoAnne) Brennan, Jack Blatti and Lou Maffeo.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Sally, his four cherished children Michelle (Scott) Hunckler, Joe (Denise) Sitar Jr., Jeff (Missy) Sitar, and Jennifer (Patrick) O'Neil, eleven adoring grandchildren, Kristie (Rob) Anderson, Kelli Hunckler (Jerum Hubbert), Scott Hunckler Jr., Kevin Hunckler, Elizabeth, Matthew and Meaghan Sitar, Marie and J.C. Sitar, and Shae and Ryan O'Neil.  Six great grandchildren, Rylee, Grace and Conner Anderson, Riley, Havana and Hailee Hubbert.  One brother, James (Bonnie) Sitar, two brothers-in-law, Bob Carey and Lenny Chapla, three sisters-in-law, Judy Blatti, Janet (Jerry) Kiernan, and Terri Maffeo, numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

In lieu of flowers memorials to Midwest Old Threshers, or Lightways Hospice in Joe's name would be greatly appreciated.

Chapel prayers will be held in the O'Neil Funeral Home Chapel 1105 E. 9th St. Lockport, IL, 60441 on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at 10:15am proceeding to St. Joseph Church, Lockport for Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00am. Interment following Mass at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery, Romeoville with full Military Honors. Visitation Monday, January 15, 2024, in the Funeral Home Chapel from 4:00pm until 8:00pm.