Obituary of Eugene Zullo

Eugene P. Zullo "Geno" Age 79. Monday, June 30, 2014 at Presence Saint Joseph Medical Center. Geno was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Margaret and his dear grandson, Michael Fronek, both of whom he could not wait to see and hug again; and dear parents, Margaret and Peter Zullo. Geno is survived by daughter and son-in-law, Brenda (Fred) Fronek of Joliet; daughter, Lyndrid Patterson of Gainesville, Georgia; granddaughter, Elisabeth Fronek of Joliet; granddaughter, Mary Rose (Terry) Dykstra of Atlanta, Georgia; grandson, David Patterson of Atlanta, Georgia; four sisters, Phyllis (William) Dillon, Patricia (William) Parker, Constance Weese and Margaret (Dale) Zeigler; and many loving nephews, nieces and friends. Geno loved cars from an early age. He started racing in the 1950's and was well-known in the 1970's for his red #99 mini-stock car racing at Joliet Memorial Stadium and throughout the Midwest. He was the longtime owner of Joliet's Westside Service Garage. Besides racing, he enjoyed loudly discussing Republican politics, relished eating a great dinner, relaxed by working in his garden and garage, and looked forward to playing board games with his family. His family remembers midnight pizza runs, dune buggy rides, monkey sundaes at Walgreens, soapbox derby car races with the boys, famous root beer floats, and cheerfully opening his home to anyone who needed a place to stay. He was a faithful fan of the Bears and Cubs until the very end. He will be remembered as a fun-loving grandfather, uncle, brother, and friend who cherished his cats, Nicky-boy and Domino. Funeral Services for Eugene P. Zullo will be Thursday, July 3, 2014 at 9:00 a.m. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet. Interment Woodlawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to C.O.P.E., Animal Rescue, 302 Main St., Wilmington, IL 60481 or First Church of God, 1805 E. Laraway Rd., Joliet IL 60433 would be appreciated. Visitation TODAY, Wednesday 5-8 p.m. at the funeral home. For information: 815-741-5500 or www.fredcdames.com