Giuseppe Merenda

Visitation Date: Thursday, March 14, 2019
Visitation Time: 3:00-9:00 p.m.
Funeral Date: Friday, March 15th, 2019
Funeral Time: 10:00 am
Place of Funeral: St. Matthew Catholic Church, Schaumburg
Funeral Notes: Family and friends are asked to gather at the funeral home Friday at 9:00 a.m.
Interment: St. Michael the Archangel Cemetery

Giuseppe “Joe” Merenda, age 80, passed away Friday, March 8th, 2019 after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease. He was the loving husband of Marie; loving father of Nic (Sandi), Antonio, and Joe (Jennifer); loving “Papa Joe” to Christopher, Jonathan , Michael, Jake and Jessie. Loving brother to Teresa (Frank) Cesario, Domenico (Shirley) Merenda, Antonia (Bob) Knackstedt and Phillis Priolo; loving uncle to Joe, Tony, Jimmy, Robert, Kristie (Dusty), Tommy (Beth), Jill, Jan, Kim, Stephanie (Todd), Carie (Blake) and many great nieces and nephews.

Joe was born on September 20th, 1938 in Arasi, Italy to loving parents Antonio & Grazia. After he finished elementary school, he started to apprentice with the local barber in Arasi. He immigrated to the United States in 1956 at age 18 and settled in Chicago, IL. After working for five years in Chicago, he and his partner opened “Mike & Joe’s” Barbershop in Skokie, IL in 1961. In 1963, he stared dating Marie Melone and they were married in 1965. They had three sons and moved to Niles, IL. He was a very successful entrepreneur. In his free time, he carried on the family traditions of making wine, Italian sausage, and soppressata. He enjoyed playing golf and spent many hours on the golf course with his friends and family. In 2003, Joe and Marie moved to Hoffman Estates where he could live his dream of living and working on the golf course. He was loved and will be missed by many.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donation be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. https://alz.org/

Guestbook


Posted by:
Samuel Rubinstein

Posted on:
Thursday, March 14, 2019

Joe was my barber throughout my childhood. I have countless childhood memories of haircuts and good-natured baseball arguments with Joe. He felt like a member of my family. I send my condolences and will be keeping the Merenda family in my thoughts.

Posted by:
LaFrenere Family

Posted on:
Thursday, March 14, 2019

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Marie and all the other family members. Joe was an integral part of our family at Poplar Creek CC, we so appreciated his dedication and work ethic. His ever engaging personality and smile were always so welcoming for customers and co-workers. He will be missed. Tony and Julie LaFrenere

Posted by:
Mike Lynk

Posted on:
Tuesday, March 12, 2019

Joe will be sorely missed by me and my family. I began seeing Joe 40 years ago at Classico on Main Street and was blessed to have him cut my hair and make me laugh all the way up until his retirement. He also cut my boys' hair from their birth until he retired. I'll never forget their first haircuts with Joe. He had an infectious smile and enthusiasm for life. It's a shame that Alzheimer's affects the people that bring the most joy to other's lives. My one regret is that I never made good on playing golf with him. Perhaps I will have my chance someday in heaven. My condolences to Marie, Nic, Antonio and Joe. Know that your husband/father was loved by many!!!

Posted by:
Tom Sirna

Posted on:
Tuesday, March 12, 2019

Rest in peace and prayers go out to your family !

Posted by:
Russ Jorgeneen

Posted on:
Monday, March 11, 2019

Nic - we are so very sorry. Love and prayers for you, Sandi, your boys, your Mother and your entire family. We love you my friend. Russ (& Jane)