Carl J. Reina, Sr.

Carl Joseph Reina passed away peacefully on August 31st, 2024, at the age of 81, surrounded by the love of his family. While he is no longer with us, his legacy of love and devotion to family, service, and faith will live on in his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Beloved Husband for a loving 60 years to Rosalie, nee Camarda, Reina. Devoted Father of Salvatore (Kristin) Reina, Maria (Steven) Tambellini, Annette (David) Pardun, Benedict (Kim) Reina, Carl (Kelly) Reina, Jr. and Julia (Larry) Lembcke. Loving Son of the late Samuel & the late Lena Reina. Fond Grandfather of Lauren (Jim), Lia (Andres), Benedict Jr (Maggie), Alexandria, Gina, Samuel, Gabriella, Carl A., Carl J. III, Jack, Hanna, Lena, Mario, Anthony and Angelo.

Fond Great-Grandfather of Charlie, Josephine & Sadie. Dear Uncle of many Nieces & Nephews. Born on November 8th, 1942, in Oak Park, IL, Carl led a life of service. From a young age, he always strived to make things better for his family and community. Starting out as a barber and eventually owning his own shop on Roosevelt Road, he was very involved in the City of Berwyn. He was elected to several positions including school board member, Chairman of the Houby Day Parade, and Chairman of the Centennial Celebration in 2008. Additionally, he served as a Police & Fire Commissioner for the City of Berwyn for over 40 years.

He had great pride in his Italian heritage and founded the Italian American Civic Organization of Berwyn in 1966 as a place for Italians to build and strengthen their community as well as celebrate the Italian culture. Additionally, he had an unwavering devotion to the Blessed Mother and was chairman of the Maria Santissima Lauretana Society Festival in Berwyn for over 45 years and was Vice President of the Fratellanza for over 30 years. He saw great success as the number one Sales Associate for Ruben H Donnely for many years and was responsible for the creation of the first Chicago Visitor’s Guide. His family will never forget the many memories they have with him enjoying his favorite activities – whether it was hunting with his sons and grandchildren, or spending summers at his lake house in Lake Geneva, WI. Carl truly left an impression everywhere he went and will be greatly missed by many.

Family and Friends are to gather for the Visitation on Thursday, September 5, 2024, from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Russo’s Hillside Chapels, 4500 Roosevelt Road, Hillside, Illinois 60162 (Located between Mannheim & Wolf Road). Funeral to follow on Friday, September 6, 2024, from Russo’s Hillside Chapels at 8:30 A.M. Proceeding to St. Bernardine Parish, 7246 Harrison St, Forest Park, IL 60130. Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated promptly at 10:00 A.M. Interment at Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery. For additional information please call (708) 449-5300.

In lieu of flowers, donations made in Carl’s name to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital would be greatly appreciated. https://www.stjude.org/donate

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