Patrick Charbonneau

Patrick Charbonneau, age 71, of South Barrington, IL, passed away on November 28, 2024. Born May 3, 1953 in Gary, IN, Patrick is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Rosanna Charbonneau, nee Colucci; sisters, Denise Charbonneau (Dennis Kusturiss) Pittsburgh, PA, Diane Hoffman (Andrew) of Cincinnati, OH, Rene Martin (James) of Chesterton, IN and Cynthia Franzmann (Chris) of Columbus, OH; 7 nieces and nephews, Ashley Kochanek, Jillian Kochanek, Stan Kochanek, Jordan Hoffman, Max Martin, Katie Franzmann and Jonathan Franzmann, and many close friends. Patrick was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Mary Charbonneau. Patrick is the nephew of two surviving aunts, Helen Rossi and Elizabeth Banki. Patrick is a fond son-in-law of Richard and the late Rose Colucci and brother-in-law to Robert Colucci and Ricki Colucci. He attended St. Peter and Paul grade school in Gary, IN and graduated in 1967. He attended Andrean High School in Merrillville, IN and graduated in June of 1971. Patrick studied engineering at the University of Dayton and graduated with a Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering degree (MEE) in 1975. Then he attended the Illinois Institute of Technology where he received his Masters of Business Administration degree on May 18, 1980. While working on his Masters degree, he began a highly successful 38-year career with International Harvester/Navistar. Patrick’s many roles included Director of Purchasing, Vice President of Engine Engineering and Vice President of Government Relations. During his engine engineering tenure, he led the company’s development of Green Diesel Technology, which is still used today in all modern low-emissions car and truck diesel engines in the United States and Europe. Patrick retired from Navistar in February of 2014. During his career at Navistar, one of his many accolades included him being named in 1997’s November issue of Crain’s magazine as one of Chicago’s 100 most Influential Technology Players. Patrick and Rosanna’s extensive travels were driven by their insatiable quest for learning and their love for not only automobiles and automobile museums but by their love for the arts, music, history, architecture, majestic views and culture. The inseparable couple graciously shared their experiences with so many. He had a positive impact on all who met and knew him. His kindness, his quick wit, his generosity and his good-natured spirit will be missed by all. Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 5th, between 4pm – 8 pm at Salerno’s Rosedale Chapel, 450 W Lake Street, Roselle, IL 60172. Funeral Friday, friends and family to meet directly at St. Petronille Church, 420 Glenwood Ave, Glen Ellyn, IL for Mass of Christian Burial to celebrated promptly at 10:30 a.m. Interment will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place
Memphis, TN 38105 by mail or online at www.stjude.org or to a charity of your choice.