Dominick A. Pistorio

Dominick “Bud” Anthony Pistorio, 95, passed away on January 20, 2021. Bud was born in Chicago on March 21, 1925 to Paul and Mary Pistorio. He was one of three children with an older sister, Rosalie “Honey” and a younger sister, Concetta.

At 19, Bud proudly served our country in the U.S. Army, Company E 23rd Infantry Regiment. During World War II, Bud was a rifleman and worked on the Bazooka Team in Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, Belgium (the Battle of the Bulge), the Rhineland, Central Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Bud was wounded on June 6, 1944, D-Day, during  the amphibious invasion on Omaha Beach in Normandy, France. He received multiple decorations and citations including the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart Medal, European, African, Middle Eastern Service Ribbons, the Distinguished Unit Badge, and the Good Conduct Medal for his meritorious service.

He rarely spoke of his heroism and service. Like many WW II GIs, who had been in hand-to-hand combat, Bud chose not to relive memories of the war. Though he was a great storyteller, he never touched upon those war years. To his last day, Bud was proud to be a WW II Veteran and always showed the utmost respect for the men and women of all ages who defend and protect the U.S.

After WW II, Bud enjoyed his return to peaceful civilian life in the company of his parents, sisters, numerous cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends. While readjusting to life at home in 1946, Bud fell in love with the love of his life, Rosemary Rizzo. They had known each other from “the neighborhood” but had not dated until 1946. They married on June 29, 1947.

Bud and Rosemary’s love story flourished for nearly 73 years. What a love story it was! They spent the first 40 years of their marriage in Chicago’s Logan Square rearing their two children, Marilyn and Paul. Extended family and long-time friends always filled their house and yard on Troy Street. For the next 30 years, Bud and Rosemary lived in La Grange and later Crest Hill, Romeoville, and finally Downers Grove. They were inseparable and always up for fun with family and friends. They made friends wherever they went. While they spent their retirement winters in Arizona, they always made sure to be home for the holidays and spring and summer events with their children and grandchildren. Family was the centerpiece of their lives.

Bud had an easy smile and a ready hand to help all who needed him. It was also said that he could fix anything, including broken hearts. His genius mechanical ability and training secured him employment with Patten Industries for more than 30 years servicing Caterpillar heavy duty equipment for many of those years. As he grew closer to retirement, he managed the Parts Department.

His love language was indeed service and caring for his family. In fact, among his last words were “Take care of the family.” He was devoted to Rosemary. That love was so evident especially during the challenging years when Alzheimer’s darkened Rosemary’s memory. Bud protected her. Though his heart was broken when she passed away on March 20, 2020, his deep Faith sustained him. He said he talked with Mom in Heaven each day and no doubt multiple times a day.

We could always depend on Dad, Grandpa, Gramps for advice, a shoulder to cry on, a ride, to take care of our dogs, to cheer at baseball games, softball, basketball, cheerleading, Poms, Scouts, and to visit when we were sick. You name it; he was there to comfort, to cheer, to assure us that we would live through the “tragedies”. He’d be the one in the stands shouting, “Give ‘em hell!” That was his way of reminding us to give our best effort.

Dad never spoke much about himself, but everyone who met him heard about his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. It was stunning how when we met his friends and acquaintances, they would know all about even our smallest achievements. He was button-popping proud of all of us: His children, Marilyn (Paul) Kayman of Hinsdale and Paul G. (Janice) Pistorio of Fort Myers and five devoted grandchildren: James A. Kolbusz (Chrissie Reddington) of Wilmette; Mark W. (Kim) Kolbusz of Elgin; Jennifer A. (Russell E.) Schuster of Powell, OH; Matthew P. (Yvette) Pistorio of Lake Bluff; Jaclyn M. (Jesse) Fleck of Naperville. Rosemary and Bud also enjoyed eight beautiful great grandchildren: Connor, Charles, Sophia, Henry, Jane,  Lincoln, James, and Rusty. Bud is also survived by his sister Concetta (Anthony) Constanzo of Mandeville, LA.

Today, Dad is rejoicing in heaven with our Mom. He’s got that smile again and is looking around for something to repair or for someone to help.

We, who have been so blessed to know and to love him, are indeed grateful to have had him in our lives. Turns out that the lessons he taught are the most important ones. The ones that truly count in this life. His extraordinary spirit and generous heart will continue to inspire us.

Dad never liked to say “good-bye.” It was always, “See you later!”

So, we’ll see you later, Dad! We love you. We’ll always be so proud of you.

Family and Friends are to gather for the Visitation Wednesday, January 27, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. until time of  Chapel Service of Christian Burial 11:30 a.m. at Russo’s Hillside Chapels, 4500 Roosevelt Road, Hillside, Illinois 60162 (Located between Mannheim and Wolf Road). Entombment at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Christ the King Garden Mausoleum, Hillside, Illinois. For additional information call (708) 449-5300. Please visit Dominick’s personal tribute website at www.russohillsidechapels.com and sign his guestbook.

Please omit Flowers. Donations in memory of Dominick A. Pistorio are welcome: Homes for Our Troops www.hfotusa.org

Due to current health guidelines, WE REQUIRE THAT ALL GUESTS ENTERING THE BUILDING WEAR A FACIAL COVERING AND MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCING. We ask that you exit the funeral home after paying your respects so that all visitors have an opportunity to do the same. Please refrain from bringing food or beverages into the funeral home. The coffee room is not available at this time.