Joseph Lestina

Joseph Raymond Lestina

Age 68 of Diamond, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 15, 2017 at his home surrounded by family.

Born March 3, 1948 in Joliet, Joseph Raymond was a son of the late Joseph William and Bessie (Swartz) Lestina. He was raised in Coal City; was a 1966 graduate of Coal City High School; attended Joliet Junior College, and went on to honorably serve in the United States Army. On February 24, 1973, Joe married Kathleen Ann (nee Tyler). Joe was a member of St. Juvin VFW Post #1336, and Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Roman Catholic Church in Coal City. During high school, "Joe from the show" worked as a projectionist at the Rialto Theater in Coal City. He later gained employment with BASF, from where he went on to retire from after many years of service.

Joe was a classic car enthusiast, especially of Studebaker Avanti's, and will be remembered for his love of history. He enjoyed family vacations, was a great fan of the Chicago Blackhawks, and took pleasure in getting together with his breakfast buddies at The Whistle Stop.

Survivors include his wife Kathleen; daughter: Kimberly (Mark) Pavlis of Coal City; son: Aaron Lestina of Diamond; sister: Jean (Joseph) Macaluso, and his mother-in-law: Lorrie Tyler both of Coal City; uncle George Lestina of Braidwood; aunts: Elsie Swartz of Coal City and Laura Lestina of Wilmington; his sister-in-law: Karen (Joe) Grega of Diamond; nephew and Godson: Brian Grega of Diamond; nieces: Karen (Ray) Ferrero of Morris and Laurie (Mike) Knick of Joliet, and countless friends, especially including: Don Rolando and John Triner, both of Coal City.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents: Joseph and Bessie Lestina; father-in-law: Marvin Tyler; his grandparents, and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Visitation and video tribute will be held on Sunday, February 19, 2017 from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at Reeves Funeral Home, 75 North Broadway (one block north of Illinois Route 113) in Coal City. Funeral services will follow Monday morning, February 20th at 10:00 a.m. in the funeral home. Reverend Robert Noesen from Assumption Parish will preside.

Burial with full military honors will be in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood.

Pallbearers will be: Aaron Lestina, Brian Grega, Mark Pavlis, Joe Lestina, Jim Fleishman and Mike Knick.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Joe's memory to: Autism Speaks , Regency Office Plaza, Suite 304, 2700 River Road, Des Plaines, IL 60018, American Cancer Society , 17060 Oak Park Avenue, Tinley Park, IL 60477, or to a charity of the donor's choosing.

Family and friends may sign the guest book, upload photographs or share Joe's memorial page on social media by logging onto: www.ReevesFuneral.com

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd. in Coal City. (815-634-2125)