Joseph J. Urso

The Honorable Joseph J. Urso, age 83, a distinguished retired judge who served on the Circuit Court of Cook County for 33 years, died October 13, 2026. Joseph was welcomed into heaven by his late parents, Joseph P. Urso and Mary C. (née Quagliata) Urso.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 58 years, Mary (née Lisuzzo), and adoring children, Laura Urso, Joseph (Kelly) Urso, Maria (William) Katsigiannis, and Nicole Urso. He was preceded in death by his three beloved sons, Nicholas, Michael, and Ross who is survived by his wife, Denise Urso.

Joseph was a proud and loving Papa to his grandchildren, Lauren (Alex) Sakellaropoulos, Joseph (Amanda) Urso, Allison Urso, Ross Urso, Jacqueline Urso, Michael Urso, Kyli Katsigiannis, and George Katsigiannis; and great-grandchild, Vincent Sakellaropoulos. He was a dear brother to Peter J. (Marie) Urso and Mary G. Urso.

Joseph was a longtime resident of Melrose Park, Illinois, a 1961 graduate of Proviso East High School in Maywood, Illinois, a 1966 graduate of Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Illinois, and a 1969 law school graduate of DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois, where he earned a Juris Doctor degree.

His prestigious legal career began in 1969 as an Assistant State’s Attorney in Cook County, followed by his appointment to the bench in 1977. Over the next 33 years, he served the people of Cook County with dedication, holding several prominent judicial positions, including Supervising Judge of the Criminal Division of 26th and California and Presiding Judge of the Third District in Rolling Meadows, Illinois.

His remarkable legacy of dedication, wisdom, and love will forever remain in the hearts of his family, friends, and all whose lives he touched.

His visitation will be on Monday, October 19, 2026, from 3:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Salerno’s Rosedale Chapels, 450 W. Lake St., Roselle, Illinois (3/4 mile west of Bloomingdale/Roselle Rd.).

Family and friends are asked to gather at the funeral home at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 20, 2026. The funeral Mass will follow at The Shrine of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, 1101 23rd Avenue, Melrose Park, Illinois, at 10:00 a.m.

Entombment will be held at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, 1400 South Wolf Road, Hillside, Illinois.

For information, call (630) 889-1700 or visit salernofuneralhomes.com.