Joseph R Ferrone Sr.

Joseph R. Ferrone Sr. of Glen Ellyn passed away peacefully at the age of 81 on March 3rd, 2017.  Born September 22, 1935 to parents James and Josephine (Olivierio) Ferrone of Oak Park, Illinois.  As a youth, he helped run his family’s newsstand on Austin and Madison and was always there to help the family. He attended Fenwick Catholic High School in Oak Park where he excelled in boxing and won many exciting bouts and after that was a Golden Gloves contender.  

After High school, Joe served in the army and was stationed in Japan and was a paratrooper.   After his honorable discharge he returned home and met the love of his life, Barbara Jean Drugge from Minnesota.  They settled in Oak Park but eventually moved to Glen Ellyn to raise their growing family.

Joe was owner and operator of Lincoln Dairy for many years and was known to all in the business as “Joe the Milkman”.  He was known for his colorful candor and sometimes fiery temper but always had a warm heart underneath it all.   He was a hardworking man who never missed a day of work and took pride in his business.   He was an avid chess player and lifelong reader of historical books especially subjects relating to warfare and strategy.  Above all, Joe loved his family dearly and will be missed by many.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his wife Barbara Ferrone of Glen Ellyn; 5 children, Linda Mirabella (Ted) of West Chicago, Lisa Giammalva (Jeff) of California, Joseph Ferrone Jr. (Jacqueline)  of Chicago, Barbara Blank (Matt) of Maple Park and Cheryl LaMell (Jason) of San Diego.  Beloved Grandchildren are Joseph Mirabella IV, Jamie Mirabella (Liz), Elise Mirabella (Roger), Jessica Giammalva, Jenna Giammalva, Sophia Blank, Samuel Ferrone, Anna Ferrone , Logan LaMell and one Great- Grandson Ryker Justiniano .  He also leaves behind his beloved brothers James Ferrone (Carol), John Ferrone (Anne) and his sister Jill Greco (Felix) and many nieces and nephews that he cared about greatly.  

A visitation will be held on Thursday, March 16th from 4-8 PM at Leonard Memorial Funeral Home, 565 Duane Street, Glen Ellyn, Il.  Funeral Service Friday 10 AM at Leonard Funeral Home.  Interment at Forest Hill Cemetery, Glen Ellyn, Il

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