Obituaries
Obituary: John A. Costenaro
John carried himself with dignity and kindness, leaving a lasting impression on all who were fortunate enough to cross his path.
Obituary was published and funeral arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory.
John A. Costenaro
John A. Costenaro, age 94, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 30, 2025, after a short-term illness. Born Giovanni Giuseppe Alfredo Costenaro in Lavarda, Italy, on May 1, 1931, he came to the United States at age five through Ellis Island and grew up in the Fairmont neighborhood of Lockport, Illinois, where he was fondly known as “Piccolo.”
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John graduated from Lockport Central High School. During his teenage years, while still in school, he lost his father and would work evenings at Salbago’s Grocery Store and the Fairmont Athletic Club to help support his mother. He later served in the U.S. Army during peacetime in the Korean conflict, proudly cooking for the officers.
He married Mary Jacqueline (Staley), and together they raised three children in Crest Hill, where they lived for nearly 50 years. Known affectionately as “Mr. C,” John enjoyed caring for his home, maintaining a tidy yard, and taking annual fishing trips. He will be remembered as a good neighbor, the first person to call for a helping hand, and someone who loved playing poker and gin rummy with family and friends. After devoting 35 years to Lorillard, he retired early and embraced the chance to travel with Jackie—to the beaches of Florida, state parks, and the occasional casino. He often reminded his family, “Do it while you can!”
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In his final years, John faced dementia with grace, humor, and positivity—the very qualities that defined his life. Even as memories faded, his good nature remained a constant comfort to those around him.
John is survived by his children, John Scott (Jackie Brandolino), Mike (Paula Wilson), and Lynn (John Magor). He leaves behind grandchildren, Fallon (Joachim Ronning), Gianna (Clayton Anderson), Zane (Brier Van Horne), Katie (Eric Rath), and Jake (Mackenzie Leach); great-grandchildren, Lucy, Hennie, Nellie, Isak, Vernon, and Ford. John is also fondly remembered by members of his extended family, including his nephews, James and Jeff Borello, and his niece, Janet Pandow, and their families.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Giovanni “John” Costenaro and Catterina Cogo Costenaro (later Sasso), and by his beloved wife of 47 years, Jackie.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at The Gardens in Morris and to the hospice nurses who provided such compassionate care in his final days.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages planting a tree in his memory or donating to your local hospice organization.
Visitation for John A. Costenaro will be held at Fred C. Dames Funeral Home on Essington Road in Joliet on Thursday, December 18, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. He will be laid to rest the following morning, Friday, December 19, at Abraham Lincoln National 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.
