Joseph D. “Papa Joe” Pillizzi, 92, of Kenosha, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 16, 2018, at Brookside Care Center. Born in Kenosha on April 28, 1925, he was the son of the late Sam and Anna (Vona) Pillizzi, Sr. A lifelong resident of Kenosha, he was educated in local schools. Joe served in the U.S. Army during World War II in the European Theatre in the 63rd Infantry Division. He fought at the Battle of the Bulge and was honorably discharged. On November 6, 1948, he married Mary J. Gazzana at St. Rita’s Catholic Church in Milwaukee. She preceded him in death on November 7, 1998. Joe was employed with American Motors in the chassis division for 42 years, retiring in 1986 as the Production Manager of final assembly. He was a member of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church where he enjoyed attending daily Mass and was part of the Holy Name Society and Holy Crucifix Society of Milwaukee. Joe left a beautiful legacy of always family first. He lived a very full life and will be remembered as a fair and unselfish man who put everyone else’s needs before his own. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren adored him, and he enjoyed attending all of their school activities from dance recitals to sporting events. Survivors include his three children, Joseph W. (Christine) Pillizzi, Carmen G. (Barbara) Pillizzi, and Diana M. (William P.) Kreuser, all of Kenosha; two brothers, Louis F. “Muzzy” (Mary Jane) Pillizzi of Kenosha and Dominick (Georgia) Pillizzi of Racine; a sister, Dolores Weddel of Kenosha; seven grandchildren, Dawn (Ryan) Propsom, William J. (Jennifer) Kreuser, Kristy (Adam) Beirne, Jacqueline (Tom) Zernia, Brian (Lauren) Pillizzi, Kaitlin (Logan) Allemand, and Joseph C. Pillizzi; nine great-grandchildren and one on the way; and his special friend, Emily Selovich of Kenosha. He was preceded in death by a son, Mark A. Pillizzi in infancy; two sisters, Victoria Angotti and Virginia Pierce; three brothers, Frank Pillizzi in infancy, James Pillizzi and Sam Pillizzi, Jr.; and a great-granddaughter, Gianna Kristine Zernia. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 20th, at Proko Funeral Home from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 21st, starting with a prayer service at 9:15 a.m. with a Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church at 10:00 a.m. Entombment will follow at All Saints Mausoleum with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. Joseph Catholic Academy or Hospice Alliance would be appreciated by the family.Proko Funeral Home & Crematory5111-60th StreetKenosha, WI 53144Phone: (262) 654-3533Visit & Sign Joe’s Online Memorial Book at:www.prokofuneralhome.com