Joseph Vaccarella age 79, unexpectedly due to COVID. At age five, his father, Vittorio Vaccarella, passed away leading to Joe’s immigration from Sicily to the USA as a nine-year old child, temporarily leaving his mother Calogera Calabrese and sister Rosina Vaccarella behind. On a mission for a better life, Catholic Charities escorted Joe to the US to live with his temporary guardian Aunt Damiana (Vivian) and Uncle Giuseppe DiGangi, also residing with newlyweds Louis and Dorothy DiGangi. Due to immigration quotas his mother and sister could not follow as planned and Joe remained in the care of the DiGangi family for life, including Sam and Anita. Joe’s new American family expanded to brother and sister-like relationships with Carol Warren (Mike), Charles DiGangi(Margie), Diane DiGangi (Dominick Fashoda)., Uncle figure to Lisa DiGangi (Scott Ketelboeter), Rob (Erin) DiGangi and Charlotte, Erin (Jack) Pereira, Christine (Matt Welch) DiGangi, GreatUncle to Raymond Ketelboeter and Luke and cherished cousin to Donna and Joe (Renee), Isabella and Ashley DiGangi, . Joe reunited with his mother and sister for the first time in Italy at age 21. His Italy family remain there with closest surviving nieces and nephew Giuseppina, Antonella, and Vittorio, and many relatives, nieces & nephews. Joe was a devout Catholic, dedicated teacher at Central Elementary School in Wilmette, Religious Education and Spanish teacher at St. Joseph the Worker in Wheeling and St. Alphonsus in Prospect Heights, and ESL teacher at Harper College. Joe’s friendships are expansive, love for God and his family remarkable. Visitation Saturday, January 22, 2022, 10:00 a.m. until time of Mass of Christian Burial 11:00 a.m. at St. Alphonsus Ligurori Catholic Church, 411 N. Wheeling, Prospect Heights. Interment private. Please omit flowers. Memorial’s may be made in Joe’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave. Floor 17 Chicago, IL 60601. Arrangements handled by Gibbons Funeral Home, Elmhurst. 630-832-0018 or www.gibbonsfuneralhome.com
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Wendy Mattison
Joe was a VERY special man who touched all he knew and loved. He will be missed.
Adam Voyda
I’m Sorry For Your Loss
Sharon
Joe was a good friend to help when I lost someone
Remember, tears are
prayers too. They
travel to God, when
we can’t speak.
Peggy Lee
Joe was someone who I was inspired by when he read the readings at St Alphonsus Daily Mass Service. He will be dearly missed. My condolences to Joe’s family. He will be welcome as a good and faithful servant of God, I feel that very strongly.
Messinese Maria Rosa
Lui è stato un cugino che ho amato tantissimo, mi mancherà tantissimo, mi mancherà il suo sorriso, il suo umorismo, trovava sempre il lato comico delle cose. Mi rimane il rimpianto di non averlo mai potuta venire a trovare in America❤️❤️❤️❤️
Bob Zahniser
Joe was a wonderful friend to so many, including myself and my wife Vivian. His generosity knew no bounds. Once his friend, you were his friend forever. Joe is deeply missed.
Julia and Alejandro
Our friend Joe will always live in our heart
Tom Campbell
All who knew Joe are deeply saddened by the news of his passing. He was the consummate teacher whose genuine warmth and kindness was felt far beyond the classroom. It was comforting just to be in the presence of his congenial personality; he always had a smile on his face. He lived an honorable life of faith and service to others. May God continue to bless him and his family.
Tom & Sally Hanley
We were so very sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. We knew him from St. Joseph the Worker parish. He was such a kind person with a great spirit and sense of humor.
Jack Trompeter
Mr. Vacarella was my 5th grade teacher at Central School. He was my favorite teacher of all time. He somehow made school fun and was ingenious at motivating our class. How? Pure bribery! We were awarded Monopoly money for good school work and then he would occasionally hold a “shopping” event so we could purchase trinkets with our money. Just junky little things, but it didn’t matter, it was meaningful because we earned them. He was a great man. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.
KevinTurner
Joseph was a very caring and generous friend to many and will be missed but his kind spirit will live on… my condolences to his family…
Sister Virginia, CSFN
Remembering a truly wonderful teacher from the Religious Ed. Program at St. Joseph the Worker Church in Wheeling. Being the Religious Ed. Coordinator for five years, I’ve experienced Joe to be a special person in preparing students for the reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation. He was well liked and appreciated for his patience, kindness and understanding of Junior high students. His love for God and Church showed through to students. Joe was a very prayerful person and likable in many ways. His humor was infectious. He was compassionate and caring of everyone he met. I am most
grateful for having known him. My deepest sympathy to all his family and friends. May God’s peace be with you Joe. With my prayers, Sisrer Virginia
Rosanna Vaccarella
Ciao Joseph, abbiamo passato dei momento belli a Firenze, resterai nei nostri cuori, sempre sorridente e gentile. Rosanna Salvatore, Jacopo Camilla e Federica
Robert Schnooberger
I have known Joe for over 40 years as he was one of my closest friends. His wit and kindness were always trademarks of his character.
Several years ago, Joe and his close companion of 20 years, Daniel Asfar came to Arizona for a visit. Because of the virus issues for the last few years, such visits were not possible and I regret that I will not see Joe again. Over the years I joined him several times in Las Vegas, a favorite of Joe. I joined him with friends when we rafted down the Grand Canyon Colorado River. His presence was always a joy over the many times we got together. Joe will truly be missed but he will be in my thoughts and memories for all time.