Joseph Militello - 82

Matteson, Illinois

On Thursday, October 12, Joseph Militello, loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend, passed away at the age of 82. Joe was born on July 11, 1941, in Merrionette Park, Il. to Frank and Louise (Salvati) Militello. He and his wife, Georgia (Churlin), had been married since 2003. Joe raised three children, Louise Sarna, Gary Bettenhausen, and Vicki Kapsalis. Joe first began his career as an insurance salesman for Metropolitan Life. After his insurance career he decided to cultivate his skills as a bartender, (Joe could make a wicked banana banshee).  He then ventured into ownership of a local Richton Park establishment, which he named "Our Times" Lounge.  Joe finished his career as the locker room manager at Flossmoor Country Club and after retirement, continued bartending part time at Jack Gibbons Gardens in Oak Forest. During his time at the country club and at Gibbons Joe made many connections and even more friends through his abundant charisma and never-ending stockpile of stories. He was a Chicago sports fan all his life, especially the Chicago Blackhawks. He loved texting his son and grandsons whenever there was a game on TV.  Joe and Georgia also spent much of their time traveling to Las Vegas. Their host, Rose, ensured they always received the VIP treatment that came with being a frequent visitor of Caesar's Palace. There Joe would buddy up with a new favorite dealer at the blackjack tables or the maître d' at whichever restaurant he and Georgia would frequent. Joe was preceded in death by his beautiful wife, Georgia (Churlin) Militello; his father and mother, Frank Militello and Louise (Salvati) Militello; his son, Gary Bettenhausen; and his sister-in-law, Carole (Frank) Militello. He is survived by his brother, Frank Militello; his daughter, Louise (John) Sarna; his daughter, Vickie (Brockman) Kapsalis; his step-daughter, Chrissy (Jay) Cmelo; his daughter-in-law, Laura (Gary) Bettenhausen; his grandchildren Michael and Mia Sarna, Presley Kapsalis, Andrew and Jamie Cmelo, Daniel and Matthew (Caroline) Bettenhausen; his Great Granddaughter, Reese Bettenhausen; his niece and nephew, Nancy Hardin and Mark Militello; and his beloved dog Max. Please consider donating in Joe’s name to PSC Partners Seeking a Cure (An organization that helps individuals like his grandson) at PSC Partners Seeking a Cure, 6900 E. Belleview Ave. Suite 202, Greenwood Village, CO 80111 or http://app.etapestry.com/hosted/PSCPartnersSeekingaCure/OnlineDonation.html and to please consider being an organ donor, would be appreciated by the Militello-Churlin family.) Services were private. Info 708-481-9230 and panozzobros.com.