Joseph John Pressendo

Joseph John Pressendo died November 2, 2021 at 89. He died at Silver Cross Hospital, New Lenox, Illinois. Joe was admitted to the hospital three days before his death and died peacefully in his sleep.

Joe had a variety of occupations, including interior designer, furniture store owner, educator, business executive, certified financial planner, and poet.

He was born August 11, 1932 in Chicago Heights to Charles Pressendo and Nondas (nee Moretti). He was the oldest of five children. His sibling are: Valerie Williams (nee Pressendo); Charles Pressendo (deceased); Sue Wedryk (nee Pressendo); and Philip Pressendo.

Joe graduated Bloom Township High School, Chicago Heights, Illinois, in 1950. He went on to Carleton College, Northfield, Minnesota, where he played football, excelled in wrestling, and graduated in 1954.

He married Marie Faso in 1957 and settled in Homewood, Illinois. Joe and Marie had three children: Janis Marie Atkinson (nee Pressendo); Joseph Pressendo, Jr., and Jodi Nardella (nee Pressendo). Joe and Marie’s marriage ended in divorce after 47 years of marriage.

In addition to his siblings and children, Joe is survived by seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren – grandchildren: Grant Atkinson, Kelsey Atkinson, John Pressendo, Lisa Pressendo, Gianna Nardella, Dominic Nardella, and David Jr. (D.J.) Nardella; great-grandchildren: Isaac Pressendo and Elena Rey Atkinson.

After college, Joe drove a tour bus in Yellowstone National Park. He returned to Illinois and took a two-year course in interior decoration and design. He operated two furniture stores in Chicago Heights, Maple Interiors and Pressendo Interiors. He also designed the interiors of model homes for various developers. He taught design at a community college for 12 years. In addition, he served as executive vice president of a company found by his friend Robert Underwood. Joe’s duties including risk management and negotiating with unions.

Following his divorce from Marie, Joe maintained homes in Fox Lake, Illinois, and Vero Beach, Florida, and enjoyed driving between his two homes.

Poetry was a lifelong passion of Joe’s. He began composing in college and read his poetry at college reunions and gatherings of friends. A collection of Joe’s poetry was privately published in 2012 – “A Pool of Poetry [--] reflections on life, love and beyond.”

Other pleasures in Joe’s life included boating, fishing, food, travel, time with family, and contemplating spirituality. His family will miss Joe’s eclectic spirit, and wit.

Joseph’s remains will be placed with members of his family at Evergreen Hill Cemetery, Steger, Illinois.

There will be a virtual memorial service (on Zoom) for Joe on Sunday, November 7th at 2-4 pm CDT (please note time zone difference and daylight savings ending).

The Zoom connection information is below: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81459944707?pwd=cVlGWUFiaTRMYTRiYzlYeDVNYm9iUT09

Meeting ID: 814 5994 4707

Passcode: 81132

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