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Livio Andreatta - 76

Benton Harbor, Michigan

Livio Andreatta’s life will change how you think about miracles and blessings.  For his life was filled with many of them and how he lived it daily, proved it.  He entered this world on February 26th,1945 in the bombed out, war-torn city of Livorno, Italy.  But to understand the man, you have to understand the humble beginnings of his father and mother’s love story.  The fruit of this love story was a gift from God in the purest sense in producing, Livio and the world instantly became a better place as a result.
Livio’s father, Luigi Otto (aka Gino) Andreatta was left alone at the age of 10 years old in Bedollo, Italy. He had to fend for himself doing odd jobs, lived in a barn and when he turned 18, made his way to America to reunite with his mother and step-father.  Upon arriving to America, he was immediately drafted into the United States Army during the outbreak of World War 2 and was sent back to North Africa, Sicily and Italy to fight against his own people.  He served as an interpreter and snuck bread to childhood friends who he would find in Allied prison camps.  While in Naples, Italy he met a striking young woman, Vincenza (aka Enza) Mastriani, selling flowers in the town square.  One sunny afternoon, as the German’s retreated, they began to carpet bomb Naples and as Gino and Enza were conversing, both scattered into different buildings to take cover.  The bomb that fell on the building Enza ran into didn’t go off but the bomb that fell on Gino’s building where he sought refuge, did…  He was severely injured by shrapnel in his head and back which earned him a Purple Heart, but his greatest prize from that day was Enza visiting him every single day in the Army hospital to help nurse him back to health. Day-by-day he got better, quickly proposed, Gino and Enza were married days later and he had to leave to continue on with the war effort.  His war-bride would soon write him to deliver news he was to be a father and that’s how Livio Andreatta came to be…  His mother scrounging to find him milk while her husband continued on fighting in the European campaign.  A miracle indeed.

After the war ended, Enza and her infant son would travel by boat through Ellis Island and Livio would meet his father again in Chicago’s South-Side Pullman neighborhood.  Livio was small in stature but, by some miracle, his big personality more than made up for it.  He was known as a stand-out baseball player at Palmer Park and one of the best dancers on the south side often going on Jim Lounsbury’s television show to dance.  One of his greatest prides was being a Mendel Catholic alum.  It was only by a blessing that he was able to attend Mendel as Father Ron Tursich loaned his parents the money for tuition after a year away at Seminary, starting his sophomore year.

After graduating high school in 1963, Livio volunteered for the Army and was sent to South Korea to defend the 38th Parallel as part of the Second Infantry Division in 1965. While stationed in South Korea, another miracle took place as he tried out for the Army Baseball team (Second Infantry Warriors) and made it.  As such, he traveled throughout South East Asia playing baseball and competed in the Good Will Games while war raged in Vietnam and his friends came home mangled or didn’t come home at all.

On October 18th, 1969, another blessing took place when he met Patricia Dunn at a local neighborhood bar and asked her to dance.  Days later, their very first date was Livio asking Patricia to accompany him to a children’s hospital to visit sick kids.  As he often did, Livio did this in full make-up and dressed as a clown to bring smiles and joy to stricken kids.  They shared their love for one another for 50 years beautiful years, having celebrated their miles tone anniversary on November 22, 2020.

In the years to come, Livio’s life included many more miracles and blessings, not limited to the following:

The births of their 3 sons, Brian, Lee and Brad whom Livio loved and supported every day of their lives without fail.  He took off summers to coach their baseball teams, left work early to coach their football and basketball teams and he sat in the stands for swim practices/meets, plays, sing-alongs, on and on.  He inspired them as a father.

Livio found his true passion in life…  Owning his own business selling insurance.  He married his BIG personality with wanting to help people and his motto of “just do what’s right” proved itself daily.

He opened his home to countess (literally) folks who needed a soft place to land.  Some for a night and others for years.

He volunteered as President of Homewood Flossmoor’s Parents Organization Promoting Sports for 10+ years, spent countless hours with The Men of Tolentine, Mendel Catholic (of which he was inducted into their Hall of Fame)and countless other charities that he raised money for and donated his time to.

Livio viewed this country as a miracle and his small part in it as a miracle as well.  From its founding principles, to the opportunity it provided him and his family via God given freedom, he was uniquely American and so proud of it.

Within all these miracles, there was one that stood out as the greatest of all.  His faith.  He attended mass daily, confession weekly, took part in adoration and served what-ever parish he belonged to as a faithful servant of God.

His gift was to connect with folks and it was awe-inspiring all the lives he touched via his smile, general pleasantries or simply taking the time to get to know a stranger.

The miracle of Livio’s life will play out over time and span the ages through his children, grand-children and countless lives he touched during his time on this earth.

Livio is survived by his wife Patricia nee Dunn of 50 years, sons Brian, Lee, Bradley (Kelli) Andreatta. Grandfather to Nicholas, Kaitlyn, Giancarlo, Sofia, Gino, Dominic and Genevieve Andreatta. Son of the late Vincenza “Enza” nee Mastriani and Luigi Otto “Gino” Andreatta. Brother of Vivian (Toby) Perez. Uncle and friend of many.

Resting at Panozzo Bros. Funeral Home, 530 W 14th Street(US Rt 30, 3 blks E of Western Ave), Chicago Heights on Thursday November 18, 2021 from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Funeral Friday 9:15 am from funeral home to St Joseph Church, 17951 Dixie Highway, Homewood. Mass 10:00 AM. Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Alsip. Info 708-481-9230 and panozzobros.com.

22 Comments

  • Marilyn Sitkiewicz

    on 11/15/21

     I am so very sad to say goodbye to you Livio. I am also very privileged to have had you as my friend. Prayers and hugs to Pat, Brian, Lee, Bradley, and all your family. Until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.

     

  • Joan Walters and John Bolger

    on 11/15/21

    Pat, Brian, Lee, Brad and Kelli

    We are so sadden by Livio's passing.  From the first time you looked at the house next door until the week before his stroke, we would always talk across the fence.  We have great memories and stories from all those years.  Our hearts go out to you.  

    RIP Livio, so long until we meet again.

    Joan and John

  • Genevieve Andreatta

    on 11/15/21

    I am Papa Livio's youngest granddaughter. Very proud to be his youngest granddaughter. One of the best grandpas ever. I miss him a lot.Love Genevieve Andreatta

  • Denny & Betsy Sexton

    on 11/16/21

    We have wonderful memories of the trips we have taken with you and Pat, the Sexton and Andreatta neighhood parties we enjoyed and your love and friendship over the years for us and our family. God's Blessings are with you, Livio.
  • Patricia Robson

    on 11/16/21

    It is hard to capture all the wonderful memories we shared--children, sports, travel, laughs and love.  You leave behind a legacy of kindness, compassion and devotion.  You will be missed by many but your Deliah will always dance with you!  Peace to Pat and the boys and grandchildren.  Remember his smile, his love and his strength!

  • Carol Baier

    on 11/16/21

    Livio was a very outgoing, caring man. All he met were friends to him. I met Livio through business and soon he and Pat became supportive friends. They brought me into their circle and I now have many good friends because of them. My life, like those of many others, has been enriched by knowing him.
  • Their journeys will continue, just in a different manner. Heaven is a better place now that Livio has entered the Gates of Heaven. God bless you from my heart.

    on 11/16/21

    Livio Andreatta was one of the most engaging, caring and thoughtful men I have ever known. Pat and Livio started out as clients of mine in the travel industry, but over the many many years, we became good friends. In a lifetime of journeys Livio and Pat were always together. The journeys will continue, now just in a different manner. Heaven is a better place now that Livio has entered through the Gates of Heaven.

  • Robert M Radostits

    on 11/17/21

    My sympathy to Pat and the boys.  Your fond memories of Livio will carry you through this difficult time...a friend from the past, Bob Radostits

  • Terry Doyle

    on 11/17/21

    My deep sympathies to you Pat, Brian, Lee, Brad and all of the family. Livio and my Joe are up there watching over us. My heart is heavy and I hold all of you in it ,praying for strength for each of you. Livio has no more suffering now at peace. Blessings and Love Terry
  • Sharon Halliburton

    on 11/17/21

      Pat, my sympathies to you and your family. Livio will always be remembered with a smile on my face. The  two of you are very special people I've liked from our first meeting,  May God's love and light give you and your family strength during this time. Hugs.

    Sharon Halliburton

  • Dennis & Joan Sitkiewicz

    on 11/17/21

    Livio was a special friend and we will treasure our memories with him. Our sincere sympathy to Pat and Family.      Dennis & Joan

  • Sharon McFall

    on 11/18/21

    Livio was an exceptional man of faith.  I admired how open he was in showing his love of the Lord.  He always greeted me with a hug and asked about my family.  He made me feel like I was the most important person, what a gift.  I feel so privileged to have known him.

    My sympathies to Pat and family for the loss of your beloved Livio.  The world was a better place because of the way he lived his life.

    RIP.  Prayers for your peace and the light Lord shine upon him.

    Sharon McFall

  • Joseph and Valorie Meimes

    on 11/18/21

    Livio was a man to be admired for his faith, commitment and friendship.  He never backed away from his beliefs and was seen many times standing up to defend his faith, country, friends and family.  His church family of his last years will miss his daily attendance at Mass, service to others and caring personality often known to go out of his way to be a support and help to others in their time of need.

     

    His leaving will be felt by many.   We can only imagine how this loss has affected his family and we send our sympathies and prayers for his family. God bless you all.

     

    RIP and know you are in our thoughts and prayers.

  • Pat Sedorook

    on 11/18/21

    Our thoughts & prayers are with your family Bill & Pat Sedorook

  • Ron Dubin

    on 11/18/21

    I am so sorry for your loss. Oo

    n br

    ehalf of the Mendel alumni assoc , please accept our condolences. Livio was a friend and fellow classmate at Mendel, then more so in the alumni assoc 

    and the Men of Tolentine .org. 

    Ill miss a good friend. 

     

    God old bless his family in this time of sorrow. 

     

    Ron Dubin. 

  • Hilda and Steve Banyon

    on 11/19/21

    Our hearts are saddened by the passing of our friend Livio. What a great guy!! And boy could he dance!!! Our loss is Heaven's gain. Rest In Peace dear friend until we meet again. Pat abd family our prayers are with you all❤️❤️❤️

  • J. Lee Thompson

    on 11/19/21

    Lee & family - I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your dad. The story of his life is a wonderful insight to his life and legacy. My heart is with you as you move on from today - may your memories bring you peace. My prayers are with you. J. Lee

  • Pat Ormsby

    on 11/20/21

    Condolences from the Ormsby/Sampson family to the Andreatta Family. Livio was one of a kind who cared about people and helped many. We reminisced often about our years at Mendel and the Augustinians. He will be missed!

     

  • Jim Faletti

    on 12/09/21

    Livio and I were business associates many years ago. He reached out to me to help me in a start up venture I had.  He was a true friend and a good man.  God Bless you Livio.  Our sympathies to the entire family.

  • Josephine Doss-Smith

    on 02/11/22

    With heartfelt sympathy to Livio's family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless the Andreatta's family. May memories of his love and works be embedded in your hearts forever.

  • Vogeobe

    on 03/29/23

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