Obituary of Thomas R. Cirricione
Thomas R. Cirricione, age 68, of Joliet, passed away peacefully, Saturday, October 22, 2022 at Lightways Hospice with his loving family by his side.
Born August 21, 1954 in Joliet, he was the son of the Honorable John F. and Nancy (Eckert) Cirricione. He was a graduate of Joliet Township High School, West Campus, Class of 1972. He then continued his education at Joliet Junior College and later received his Bachelor of Science degree from lllinois State University.
In his youth, Tom was active in the Illinois Order of DeMolay Swordsman Chapter of Joliet. As State Master Counsilor, he was head of over 5000 DeMolays throughout the entire state. In 1972, he was conferred the Chevalier, the highest degree an active DeMolay can be awarded.
Tom was first employed as a switchman and brakeman for the Santa Fe Railroad for a few years, before joining the Illinois Department of Corrections where he worked as an account technician at the Joliet Work Release Center, the Joliet Correctional Center, and finally at Stateville Correctional Center, retiring in 2013.
A dedicated family man, Tom was so proud to be a grandfather. He had a quiet demeanor, but was known for his quick wit and perfectly timed jokes. He will be remembered for his kindness and sense of empathy.
Surviving are his beloved wife of 43 years, Karen (Zielinski) Cirricione; two daughters, Laura (Frank) Whittam and Lisa (Quinn) Reilly; his grandchildren, Connor and Cora Whittam and Marnie and Louis Reilly; one sister, Sandy (Tom) Cowgill; one brother, Rick (Candy) Cirricione; three sisters-in-law, Noreen (Len) Suhadolc, Denise Conroy, and Coleen Cirricione; his step-mother, Betty Cirricione; his lifelong best friend, Ken White; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, John R. Cirricione; his wife’s parents, Richard and Pauline Zielinski; and a nephew, Mark Cowgill.
Visitation for Thomas Cirricione will be held Wednesday, October 26, 2022 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Road, Joliet. Funeral services will be Thursday, October 27, 2022 at 9:00 a.m. from the funeral home, to the Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be in Resurrection Cemetery.
Memorials in his name to Lightways Hospice (www.lightways.org) would be appreciated.
For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com
