Eugene A. Ciardullo

Eugene A. Ciardullo, 81, passed away peacefully at home on July 28, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Gene was born on October 29, 1942, to the late Eugene and Mary Ciardullo; beloved son-in-law of the late Richard and Rose Hunt; loving brother of the late Mary Ann (Richard) Nielsen, fond brother-in-law of the late Geraldine (John) Muchna, Richard (Katy) Hunt, and caring uncle and friend to many. 

Gene was married for 59 years to the love of his life, Sharon. Together, they raised eight beautiful children: Leslie (Thomas) Stateman, Janis (George) Schleyer, Lisa (Joseph) Leyendecker, Gino (Rhonda) Ciardullo, Janine (Ed) Delia, Jennifer (David) Williams, Nicole (Max) Petrizzi, and Janelle (Zack) Zayed.

Gene was a cherished Poppy to Justin, Griffin, Scott, Brittany (Nicholas), Brooke, Ryan (Melissa), Lauren (Garry), Kevin (Breanna), Kenny, Annamarie (Matthew), Giana, Angelina, Gabriella, Carmelina, Antonio, Dominic, Anthony, Ashley (Paul), Alyse (Patrick), Gino, Santino, Angelo, Michela, Massimo, Zain, and Amira.  

Devoted Great Poppy to Carter, Owen, Eleanor, Beau, Colt, Emmett, Hadley, Dylan, Everleigh, Emersyn, Camden, Colin, Jordan, Ariella, Max, Maggie and McKenna. 

Gene was the patriarch of our family. He was the kindest, most loving husband, father, poppy, and great poppy who was very devoted to his family. Gene worked as a cartographer for the City of Chicago for over 30 years supervising the Graphic Arts Department. He had the privilege of working with numerous mayors throughout his career. Gene loved to use his graphic design talent to promote the summer events such as Venetian Night and Taste of Chicago. 

Gene loved spending time at his summer getaway at Lake Thunderbird with his family and friends. Fishing and spending quality time on his pontoon boat, alongside his loyal dog, Ferrari, was one of his favorite past times. When he was not at the lake, Gene enjoyed spending many hours in the kitchen cooking up his favorite Italian dinners. Pasta Sundays was one of his childhood traditions that he continued later in life, which is now a Ciardullo family favorite. 

Gene was an amazing man who will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. The love of his family gave him the will to carry on for as long as he did. Our hearts may be broken; however, we find comfort knowing that Gene is at peace with his loving wife, Sharon. 

The family will receive friends at Kurtz Memorial Chapel 102 E. Francis Rd. New Lenox, IL on Thursday, August 1, 2024 from 3 pm - 8 pm.  Funeral services will be on Friday, August 2, 2024 with prayers at the funeral home at 9:30 am then to St. Jude Catholic Church, New Lenox, IL for Mass at 10:00 am.  Entombment to follow at Good Shepherd Cemetery, Orland Park, IL.