Obituary of Alfred L. Paolucci, Sr.
Alfred L Paolucci, born July 26, 1930 in Bonefro, Italy. He became a master cabinet maker in Italy, and immigrated to the United States in 1958. After returning to his hometown to attend his father’s funeral in Italy, he met and married the love of his life, Michelle, and they came to the United States and settled in the Joliet area. Alfred found work in watchmaking, another trade he learned in Italy. While working for a local jeweler, Alfred began fixing watches and clocks from his porch on Wilcox St. In 1972, he opened Al’s Jewelry on Plainfield Road. As the business grew, he relocated to Hillcrest Shopping Center, then to Louis Joliet Mall, and finally to 1960 Essington Road under the name Paolucci Diamond Center. The business is celebrating its 52nd year in business.
Alfred was an inventor, too. In 1959 he won the Campobasso (Italy) Design contest for an anti-gravity chair. In the early 80’s he developed a machine to generate electricity from ocean waves. He even had ideas for trucks generating electricity by using centrifugal force, similar to a self-winding watch.
Alfred is preceded in death by his loving wife of 57 years, Michelle; his parents, Adolfo and Regina Paolucci; brother, Joseph (Anna-surviving) Paolucci and sister, Lucia Pappalardi.
He is survived by his five children, Dr. Regina (Tony Del Sasso) Paolucci-Del Sasso, Mary (Tom) Manno, Dr. Gabriella (Eric Gavin) Paolucci, Dr. Ada (Dr. Andrew Wahl) Paolucci, and Alfred (Tammy) Paolucci Jr. Alfred has 9 grandchildren, Christina (Antonio) Joaquin, Julia Manno, Victoria Manno, Elise Kozal, Elliott Kozal, Dr. Alanna (fiancé Jacob Bigos) Wahl, LT (Dr.) Adam Wahl, Megan (Zach) Mathiasen and Mallory Paolucci; two great-grandchildren, Camila Joaquin, Emilio Joaquin. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
Family always came first. Most Sundays in the summer were spent at the cottage on the Kankakee River celebrating birthdays and holidays, something that will be sorely missed.
Alfred was an avid winemaker and gardener. He loved playing Bocce Ball. He won many first place trophies, even this year at the age of 93, he came in 2nd place in the 3 month tournament in Marco Island, Florida. He would be at the Bocce court at least 5 days a week playing with his friends. He was a member of the Italian American Society of Marco Island, and would frequently play cards in the evenings with other members.
Alfred passed away on June 7th at Ascension St. Joseph Medical Center peacefully with his family by his side. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends. He was the definition of a great man, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
Visitation for Mr. Paolucci will be Thursday, June 13, 2024, from 5 – 8 p.m. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home 3200 Black Rd. (at Essington Rd.) Joliet.
Funeral services will begin Friday morning, June 14, 2024, 9:00 a.m. at the funeral home with Alfred’s Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 10:00 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus, 604 N. Raynor Avenue, Joliet. Entombment at Woodlawn Memorial Park Cemetery.
For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave a condolence.
