Eugene Joseph "Gene" Menozzi

Eugene Joseph “Gene” Menozzi, age 93 of Joliet, Illinois, passed away on April 29, 2023 in Michigan, with his loving son by his side.

Gene was born on June 10, 1929 to parents Caesar and Mary (Née Ballotti) Menozzi, in South Wilmington, IL.

He was a lifelong resident of Joliet, IL until moving in with his son Gary and daughter-in-law, Martha in Genoa Township, MI in 2015.

Gene graduated from Joliet Township High School in 1948, and served in the US Army from 1951 to 1953 while stationed in Germany. 

After serving his country, Gene married Marie Zameic in St. Joseph Catholic Church on July 11, 1953. They enjoyed a loving marriage for 58 years.

Gene worked as a pipe fitter with US Steel and American Steel and Wire in Joliet from 1948 to 1992, and was a long time member of the Braidwood Recreation Club, where he enjoyed swimming, camping and fishing with his family.

Gene and Marie also enjoyed traveling to destinations such as Branson, MO and Las Vegas, NV. Gene was an avid gardener, and in his retirement took up oil painting.

Gene is survived by his son Gary (Martha); daughter-in-law, Victoria (late Greg); grandchildren, Anthony, Matthew and Leanna, and numerous nieces.

Gene was preceded in death by his wife Marie; son Greg; parents Caesar and Mary Menozzi, and his brother Ronald Menozzi.

A memorial visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 9, 2023 at 9:30 a.m. in St. Joseph Catholic Church, 416 N. Chicago Street, Joliet, IL.

A Memorial Mass of Christian burial will follow at 10:00 a.m., Rev Tim Andres officiating.

Eugene will be laid to rest beside his wife in St. Joseph Cemetery, IL.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in support of Alzheimer’s research - Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org/nca/donate).

Relatives and friends are encouraged to sign the online guest book by logging onto: www.PleseFuneralservices.com. Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the genuine care and direction of Kenneth A. Plese, in Joliet, IL   815-735-2125.