Joseph Vaicelunas, 94, of Kenosha, died at Brookside Care Center on Wednesday, October 24, 2012. A lifelong resident of Kenosha, he was born on February 17, 1918, the son of the late Joseph and Francis (Klimus) Vaicelunas. Yuzzey (which is Lithuanian for Joseph) was very proud of his heritage. He carried a card with him at all times showing that he was a Professional Lithuanian Golf Pro. On April 22, 1941, Joseph entered the U.S. Army in the 124th Ordnance in Heavy Maintenance in Company Field Artillery. He was honorably discharged on December 11, 1945. Upon returning from WWII, he and his brother, Stanley, opened a small neighborhood grocery store on 22nd avenue and 47th street. As their business grew they expanded and built City Food Shop on the corner of 22nd Avenue and 31st Street. He ran the grocery store from 1946-1974. The building still stands today as DeRango’s. He then worked at Laddish Tri-Clover until retirement. Yuzzey was involved in numerous organizations. He was a member of Holy Rosary Church, where you could find him every Sunday in his “assigned” seat in the back corner and the Holy Name Society. He had also belonged to the VFW 1865, DAV 20, Elks Lodge 750, Kenosha Country Club, Bristol Oaks Country Club, K & R Golf League, and the Broscteen Golf League. He was also on the Board of Directors of Mars Cheese Castle and McDonald’s Breakfast Club. On July 25, 1951, he married Kathryn DelConte. They were married for 29 years. She preceded him in death on August 18, 1980. He was attentively at her side during her 13 year long battle with cancer. His life always centered around his family, making sure that a day didn’t go by that he didn’t tell them how much he loved them. He is survived by his only daughter, Nancee (Paul) Perry; stepson, Michael (Joyce) Swift; and his grandchildren, Kathryn and Dante Perry, Michelle (Joe) Grasso and Michael (Ursula) Swift. Along with his parents and wife he was preceded in death by his brother, Stanley. The family would like to thank the wonderful nurses and staff of Brookside Care Center for all of the kind and compassionate care they gave Yuzzey. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, October 29th, at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church at 10:00 a.m. Interment at St. George Cemetery with full military honors will follow. Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 28th, at Proko Funeral Home from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. In lieu of flowersProko Funeral Home & Crematory5111-60th StreetKenosha, WI 53144Phone: (262) 654-3533Visit Yuzzey’s Online Memorial Book at:www.prokofuneralhome.com
Condolences
Susan Pascucci
October 29, 2012
Nancy and family, Please accept my sincere condolences for the loss of your beloved father. You were blessed to have him in your life for so many years. It is never easy to lose a parent, but he is with your mother and that should give you much comfort. My deepest sympathy in your time of loss. Remember this: If my parting has left a void, then fill it with remembered joy.Love to you, Susan Pascucci
Sam & Jill Gerolmo and Family
October 28, 2012
So sorry to hear about your father. Please know that you are all in out thoughts and prayers. God Bless You and hope to see you soon.
Diane Strom
October 28, 2012
Nancee, My thoughts and prayers are with you. May your heart find peace.
Terry Maraccini
October 28, 2012
Nancee:I was saddened by the death of your father. He was such a kind and wonderful guy. A real fixture of the neighborhood. My mom always really enjoyed seeing him when they would have their visits at Brookside.I'll miss him a lot but will always remember how wonderful you were to him.
Roy and Carol Beals
October 27, 2012
I am sorry to hear of the passing of Joe,but I knew of Him as Yuzzy.Over the years we have talked often while we were at the VFW.The conversations were always interresting,humorous,and animated.He will be missed by his friends at the VFW. We send our depest condolences.Sincerely,Past Commander Roy and wife. Carol Beals
Steve and Wanda Leiting
October 26, 2012
Dear Nancee and family, We are so sorry for your loss. Know that our hearts are with you during this time. I remember your dad standing in his white apron in his store, and the years flew by, and there he was sitting on a bench with you down at the Thursday PB&J just a couple years ago. I know it's hard, but look how long he stayed with you! Much love always.
Mike Serpe
October 26, 2012
"Yuzzy" was a kind and gentle man and it was always fun to be in his company. My deepest symoathy to his family.