Obituary of Pasquale Carestia
Pasquale Carestia, age 83, of Joliet, passed away Friday, May 3, 2024 at Ascension St. Joseph Medical Center Joliet, with his family by his side.
Born January 2, 1941 in Caramanico Terme, San Vittorino, Italy, he was the son of Vincenzo and Secondina (Colonna) Carestia. He came to the United States, first to Boston, and later to Joliet, where in 1971, he married the love of his life, the former Maria Alberico, who was also from their beloved San Vittorino village.
Pasquale worked for many years as a proud member of Laborers Local #75 where he applied his skills as a hard worker and a perfectionist until his well-earned retirement in 2003.
He was a loving and devoted husband, father, and “Nonno”, who loved and protected his family fiercely, and who will be remembered for always being an active part of all of their lives. Although he was a quiet man of few words, his example and qualities spoke volumes about the kind of man he was. With his skilled hands, he could tackle any task flawlessly, leaving a lasting impression on those he touched.
Pasquale was also passionate about gardening and his skills at growing and nurturing beautiful flowers, plants and vegetables were abilities he proudly taught his children and grandchildren. Time spent tending to his garden was time well spent. Pasquale was also a gifted winemaker.
As an active member of the American Italian Cultural Society of Crest Hill, he participated in many of their activities and made many enduring friendships there, especially while playing cards and bocce ball.
Pasquale and Maria also enjoyed travelling, and annual trips to Italy during the summers were highlights of their life.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Maria; three loving children, Anna Maria (Gary) Binkley, Secondina “Sandi” (Jason) Doyle and Pasquale (Marianna) Carestia, all of Crest Hill; five adoring grandchildren, Paolo Binkley, Christina (Lucas) Hayden, Adam Doyle, Mariia Gukasian and Magdalena Gukasian; two precious great-grandchildren, Harper and Amelia Hayden; his wife’s brothers, Fiore Alberico of Joliet, and Antonio (Lauretta) Alberico of Henderson, NV; a sister-in-law, Anna Piccioli of Italy; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Angiolina Piccioli; one brother, Mario Carestia; and his wife’s parents, Paolo and Angiolina Alberico.
Visitation for Pasquale Carestia will be held Monday, May 13, 2024 from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m., at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Road, Joliet. Funeral services will be Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at 8:30 a.m., from the funeral home, to the Church of St. Anthony, Joliet, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. Entombment will be in Woodlawn Memorial Park Mausoleum.
For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com
