John B. Cacioppo

John B. Cacioppo, 95, passed away on October 13, 2019.

John was born on September 5, 1924 in Patterson, LA to Phillip and Lena (Catalinotto) Cacioppo.

John was the 7th of 8 children and shortly after his birth the family moved to Chicago, IL. John graduated from Washburne Trade School as a machinist in 1943 and soon after worked at the University of Chicago on The Manhattan Project.  In April 1944 he entered into active service in the Army and served in Germany and England where he and many others helped build the road infrastructure for our troops to get where they needed to go.  John was in the group that paved the way for Lt. Gen. Patton to enter the Battle of the Bulge in 1944. John worked as a draftsman for nearly 30 years at Signode Corporation in Glenview, IL.  He met and wed Margaret on April 24, 1954, they had two children, and started to build their life together. Sadly he lost Margaret in 1969.  She was the true love of his life.

Always active and social, his children remember that almost every Saturday they would be out visiting a relative or friend. It was important to John to keep in contact with everyone, thus giving him the nickname of “the traveler”. He had a great love of ballroom dancing and went dancing weekly for many, many years.  In addition he enjoyed bicycling, cross country skiing, and also ballroom dancing on roller skates. He was always on the go. He was always there if needed. He made wonderful memories with all of his grandchildren: attending their events, making them dinner, helping them with homework, riding around the cul-de-sac on their bikes, and so much more.

Some fond memories from his grandchildren are: Matt’s cookies, rubber bands, paper towels perfectly folded, great foot rubs, never went anywhere without a hat, portable radio set to talk radio, McChicken sandwiches, towel covered car seats, instant Folgers coffee, making a box of candy last forever, and BINGO!

John is survived by two children: Jeffrey (Dori) Cacioppo and Debra (Ed) Hay; four grandchildren: Megan and Lauren Cacioppo; Margaret (Sean) Buchar; and Joshua Hay; along with many nieces and nephews who fondly called him “Uncle Johnny”.

John was preceded in death by his parents Phillip and Lena; siblings: Leon, Carlo,  Theresa, Sam, Luke, Lucy, and Jack; and his wife Margaret.

John’s family would like to thank all those who cared for him: Eagle Point Place, 24-Hour Care (Amanda), Luther Manor, and Hospice of Dubuque.

A celebration of life gathering will be held; details are still being worked on at this time.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.