Nello A. Petersanti, 95, March 30, 2009, surrounded by family. Nello was born January 3, 1914, in Hibbing, Minnesota, the son of Joseph and Magdaline (Iannini) Petersanti. Beginning at HibbingJunior College, he graduated from University of Wisconsin-Stout in 1937 with a degree in Industrial Education. After graduation, his teaching career started at BloomHigh School. He later earned a Masters degree at the Universityof Illinois. He enlisted in the Navy on April 12, 1942. He became the Dean of Education at Prairie State College. In 2003, he was honored by the Bloom Industrial Education Building being named the Petersanti Industrial and TechnicalArtsCenter. He was predeceased by his loving wife, Anne (Collins) Petersanti in 1981, who taught English at Bloom HS; his parents, his sisters, Celia Vendetti (Anthony), Lisa Nardocci, Leona (Paul) Paci, and Angela (Mario) Galassi). "Uncle Nello" is survived by his nieces Karen J. (Steve) Cibulskis of Beecher, Illinois, Deborah L. (Jim) Watkins of Leawood, Kansas, and a nephew Joseph (Diane) Galassi of Sun Lakes, Arizona; grand nieces and nephews include Stephen Cibulskis, Sean Cibulskis and fianc Angie, Jane (Gregg) Boster, Terese (Rick) Margi, James (Christine) Watkins, Jonathan (Shan) Watkins, and Melissa (Watkins) Callahan and husband Greg, along with great-grand nieces and nephews. Nello loved people and especially small children. His love for teaching helped many in the Chicago Heights area achieve their respective dreams. He was active in the community as a member, past president, and board member of the Chicago Heights Lions Club as well as numerous other organizations throughout his 72 years in the area. He attended Infant Jesus of Prague Church. Nello was a 50 year member and past Chaplain at Italian American Military Veterans of U.S.A. Resting at Hirsch Funeral Home, 3501 W. Lincoln Hwy. (Rt. 30), Matteson, IL, where friends may call on Friday, from 3 to 9 p.m. Funeral Saturday, 9 a.m., at chapel, to Infant Jesus of Prague Church, 1131 Douglas Ave., Flossmoor, IL. Mass of Christian Burial 10 a.m. EntombmentAssumptionCemetery, Glenwood, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Chicago Heights Lions Club in lieu of flowers. For information or to express your thoughts or memories in the online guest book, 708-748-8031 or www.hirschfuneralhomes.com. Service Information A service summary is not available