John Joseph Miceli Sr., 71, local business leader, musician, fisherman and consummate family man, passed away Sunday, Nov. 27, 2011, at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center in Rockford, surrounded by his family.
Born in Chicago, on Dec. 16, 1939, John was the son of the late Joseph Miceli and Eleanor (Sirmarco) Miceli. He and his brother Loring Richard were raised in Chicago. He was a graduate of St. Patrick’s High School and was a Christian Brothers boy. John studied at Wright Junior College and DePaul University.? John married the love of his life, Sandra Salemi, on June 6, 1964, in Chicago.? John served in the U.S. Army Reserves and active service, after which he founded Miceli Drapery Company.? Giving back to the community was very important to John. He served on the Marian Central Council of Administration, Sacred Heart Parish Council and the McHenry County Sheriff Snowmobile Patrol.
John was a passionate family man who enjoyed nothing more than sitting around the dining room table with family and friends celebrating life. He had many hobbies. He was an accomplished musician who played piano and drums. He began the John Miceli Orchestra in 1960 and recently played weekly jazz sessions at Joe’s Place on Friday nights. John was an avid fisherman who loved to fish with his closest friends, sons and grandchildren.? The core of John’s existence was in his Catholic faith and he had a great devotion to St. Joseph and Padre Pio, “Pray, hope and don’t worry.” He fought his health battle courageously and with great faith in God’s plan.
John was very proud of his entire family.
John is survived by his wife, Sandra; and his three children, John Jr. (Barbara), Serena (Thomas) Herr and Joseph (Juli). He also leaves behind nine grandchildren, John III, Katie, Michael, Sarah, Grace, Jess, Joseph Jr., Madelyn and Mia. He also is survived by his mother, Eleanor Miceli; his brother Loring Richard (Carmen) Miceli; many nieces and nephews; and special friends.
John was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Miceli; and brother Richard Scott.
The family thanks all of the wonderful health care professionals who have assisted with John’s care, especially Dr. Clayton Malaker, in the years following his liver transplant.? Our greatest love and gratitude is extended to the young and courageous organ donor, Jess, and his family who gave selflessly so that John and others could live. Not a minute of this precious gift of life was wasted.
The visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 30, at DeFiore-Jorgensen Funeral Home, 10763 Dundee Road, Huntley. John’s grandchildren will lead the rosary following the visitation at 8 p.m. The visitation will continue from 9 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 1, until the funeral Mass celebration at 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church, 10307 Dundee Road, Huntley.? In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mary’s Huntley Building Fund.
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