Gary Ernest Bartolameolli

May 23, 1945 - December 21, 2019

Gary Ernest Bartolameolli 74 of Kankakee Illinois passed away on December 21st of 2019 with his loved ones by his side. He was born May 23, 1945, in Iron Mountain Michigan, the son of Ernest and Clarine Paquin Bartolameolli. Gary married Sharon Luwin Schroat on August 17, 2001. She survives. Gary graduated from Michigan State University with an MBA. Gary worked in IT management departments in various firms and also taught data processing classes in community colleges throughout the state. He was very passionate about his work. Gary was a board member and past President of the PADS (Public Action to Deliver Shelter) in the South Suburban Chicago area. He was very proud of his contribution to this wonderful organization. Gary served his country in the US Army OTC during the Vietnam War. Gary was raised Catholic and attended St. Joseph's parish in Bradley Illinois. He loved riding his motorcycles and going on weekend road trips. He enjoyed fishing and always strived to improve his golf game (he even stood next to Tiger Woods at a tournament and forgot to take a picture). Gary enjoyed the early years of skiing. He was a wine enthusiast and a member of a wine tasting club in Olympia Fields Illinois. Surviving are a son, Steven Bartolameolli of Three Rivers Michigan, a daughter, Tracy Kaminski, and husband Don Kaminski and grandson Logan Mitchell Kaminski all of Lockport Illinois. A sister Julie Bartolameolli and husband Dan Poeschel of White Fish Bay Wisconsin. Also surviving, a stepdaughter, Laura Westerfield and husband Jason Smith of Decatur Illinois, a step-grandson Aaron Westerfield Jr. of Las Vegas Nevada and five great-grandchildren. Proceeding him in death are his parents, his first wife Patrica Mithcell, daughter-in-law, Amy Wood Bartolamelli, and two great-grandsons. Gary was lovingly cared for by his god-daughter Alicia Ashley, her husband Lewis Ashley Sr. and their children Rosa Ashley and Critisha Ashley. He was so grateful for their love and unending devotion to him. A "CELEBRATION OF LIFE" with family and friends will be held at a later time. Please refer to Gary's webpage for updates. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the organization PADS (PADS.org), and the Salvation Army. Cremation rights have been accorded. Jensen Funeral Home in Bourbonnais Illinois is handling the arrangements. Please sign Gary's online guestbook.