Pat Felice

Pat Felice was born January 22, 1934, to the late Roberto and Rosina Felice in Marano Machesato, Italy. He passed away peacefully at his home in Mokena, IL on July 17, 2021. Pat's father left for America in 1933 and then the war broke out and he could not return to Italy until Pat was 12 years old. During that time, Pat was educated in a seminary in Cosenza, Italy.

Pat moved to Chicago at the age of 20 and worked various jobs. He was a tailor until becoming a sheet metal worker for M&M Mars until he retired. At one of his first jobs, he met the love of his life Margaret who was his perfect match. Together they had two children. Pat had many self-taught talents: wood crafting (building dog houses, flower boxes, Christmas deer, windmill, and sheds), creating many items from sheet metal (gas tank for a Jaguar, grill items), sewing (hemming pants and suits, sewing curtains for his grandchildren’s baby’s room), gardening with an extensive garden and fruit trees, and cooking authentic Italian specializing in a New Year’s seafood feast and famous salad, chicken cutlets, and the grandchildren’s favorite star soup.

He was always trying to learn new things even taking up stain glass making in retirement. He had a love of all sports from watching the Cubs, Blackhawks, the Bears and tennis. He most enjoyed watching his grandchildren in their various sporting activities. He passed down his love of Wheel of Fortune to his family. Animals were drawn to his gentle heart especially his loyal dog Sasha. His family was his most cherished asset. Spending time with them was his top priority. He enjoyed going on many family vacations with his wife and kids, driving to Florida every spring break. One of the most memorable trips was in 2012 when he and his family returned to Italy for the first time in 45 years. He surprised his niece on the day before Easter and rang the doorbell bringing her great shock and joy to see her long lost uncle. But before he knew it, all five of his nieces and nephews arrived with their children to visit with him. Family and togetherness were his greatest joy.

Pat is the loving father of Robert (Rhonda), Rosa (Joseph) Zachemski, proud grandfather of Zachary, Brittany, Daniel, Stephanie and Matthew; fond uncle of Joann, Robert, Vince, Nice, Achille, Francesco, Maria, Rosario, Erika and Veronica. He was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings Louie and Vincenza, and his wife Margaret.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Alzheimer’s Association. Funeral Friday service 9:30 AM at Vandenberg Funeral Home, 19604 Wolf Rd. Mokena, IL. To St.Mary Church, Mass time 10:00 AM. Entombment to follow in Queen of Heaven Cemetery & Mausoleum. Visitation Thursday 4:00-8:00 PM. For information on services, 708-479-1210 or www.vandenbergfuneralhome.com