Obituary of Joseph M. DeBretto
Joseph M. DeBretto, age 92, of Joliet, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 9, 2024.
Born May 23, 1931, in Joliet, he was the son of the late Carmella (Blanco) and Mike DeBretto, and attended Joliet Township High School. He served with the United States Army during the Korean War from 1952 to 1954, attaining the rank of Corporal. Joe worked as a paper maker and factory superintendent for the former Prairie State Paper Mill, later IVEX Corp.
He married the love of his life, Rosemary (Maloney) DeBretto, on October 26, 1956, and they enjoyed 34 years of marriage until her passing in 1991. He later married Carol M. (Kozar) DeBretto, on July 9, 2011, and she passed away on August 17, 2019. His parents, one brother, Dominic DeBretto; and his sister, Florence Jaso also preceded him in death.
Joe was a member of the Loyal Order of Moose, Lodge #300, and the New Lenox VFW Post #9545, and enjoyed following the Chicago Cubs, the Chicago Bears, and the University of Notre Dame. Joe and Rosemary enjoyed many years of fishing and bonfires with family and friends at their Wilmington, IL cottage. He was especially proud of his military service and the medals he earned serving his country.
Joseph is survived by his three sons, Joseph “Kip” DeBretto, Ken (Michelle) DeBretto, and Steve (Aksana) DeBretto; his five grandchildren, Miranda, Dana, Callie (Gabriel), Karina and Maks DeBretto; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Foundation (https://www.vfw.org/foundation) would be appreciated.
Visitation for Joseph M. DeBretto will be held Sunday, April 14, 2024 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Road, Joliet. Funeral services will be held Monday, April 15, 2024 at 9:00 a.m., from the funeral home, to St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church, 127 S. Briggs Street, Joliet, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow in Mt. Olivet Cemetery.
For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com
