Donald Anthony Junta

Donald Anthony Junta, 87, of Glen Ellyn passed away July 07, 2026. Devoted Husband of Deirdre Junta for 42 years. Dearest Father of Don, and Laura Junta Johnson. Grandfather of: David, Lisa, Katrina, Angela and Greg. Great-grandfather of five.

Son of the late Anthony Junta and Dorothy Calderone Junta. Brother of the late Robert (the late Sandy) Junta and James (Debbie) Junta. Uncle of Tony Junta, Jackie Junta and Katie (Jon) Fox and Christy (Frank) Tajak and 2 great nephews.

Don had a tenacious side that drove him to be successful with nearly everything he attempted. It was only natural that his career spanned a variety of executive positions, including National Merchandise Manager at Sears. He was also the youngest Sales Manager in the history of the company.

His leadership abilities also served him well as Executive Vice President at a custom woodworking firm, as well as President of an Elgin technology company. As a lifelong car guy, he sold a variety of highline cars, including Mercedes Benz, BMW and Lexus brands during his so-called retirement years.

In his youth, he lettered in high school football. He also played college football as a running back, while gaining a degree in Economics from Marquette University.

He made friends wherever he went including at work and in his neighborhood where he was known as “the scary man” at Halloween. He delighted in dressing up as a monster man.

With his wife Deirdre, he helped participate in showing Persian and Exotic Shorthair cats to National wins. Showing Standard Poodles led to participation at the Poodle Club of America and Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show with “the girls.”

He kept the nurses at Atria Park of Glen Ellyn on their toes with a variety of joking observations. Those that knew Don soon found out he made a joke about nearly everything, even about his own mortality, “just bury me in a Sears garbage can."

Upon his passing, his friend Paul remarked that “our country doesn’t have many men like Don and other men would have given up on living long ago".

Don said death is a deadline. And so, for his entire life, he made it a point to be there, for his family, friends, colleagues and neighbors. He was ultimately his own person until that final deadline.

Reflecting his support and love of animals, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to PETA by phone (757) 622-PETA (7382) or mail to 501 Front St., Norfolk, VA 23510.

Visitation will be on Friday, July 17th from 6 PM - 8:30 PM with a service at 7:30 PM at Leonard Funeral Home, 565 Duane St., Glen Ellyn, IL 60137. Burial will be private.  

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