Obituary of Gabriel V. Moreno
Gabriel V. “Ben” Moreno passed away peacefully, at the age of 73, on Thursday, May 31, 2018, at his home in Joliet, surrounded by his loving family. Ben was born in Osceola, Arkansas, on December 28, 1944, to the late Angel and Lucy (nee Venegas) Moreno, and was a lifelong Joliet, Illinois resident. After graduating from Joliet Central High School, he attended Joliet Jr. College. Ben was a decorated Vietnam War Veteran(1968-1969), serving as a Paratrooper with the 173rd Airborne in the United States Army, earning countless medals, including two Bronze Stars and two Purple Hearts.
Ben is well known and respected in the community, not only for his dedicated career as an interpreter for the Will County Courthouse, which he retired from this past September, but as a community activist, always willing to help those in need. He was a well known boxing coach with the Joliet Park District. It was his passion to help troubled kids that led him to dedicate over four decades coaching and mentoring countless kids, keeping them off the street and out of trouble. He has been credited to the success of so many careers of these kids.
Ben is survived by his children, “Bucky” (Meghan) Moreno and Thomas “Boo” (Karin) Moreno; 12 grandchildren; and siblings, Tony (Mary) Moreno and Santos (Peggy) Moreno. Several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends also survive.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife of 47 years, Jacqueline M. “Jackie” (nee Toth) Moreno (2010); daughter, Virginia Moreno; son, Michael A. Moreno; and siblings, Joe Moreno and Moses Moreno.
A Memorial Gathering for Gabriel V. “Ben” Moreno will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 7, 2018, at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet, IL. Inurnment will follow at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery where full military honors will be held under the auspices of the United States Army and the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery Memorial Squad. As it was his request, cremation rites have been accorded. Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 1:00-8:00 p.m. For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com
