John F. Reato Sr. passed away on Tuesday March 10, 2015. He was born March 14, 1934 in Chassignelles, France to Antonio and Petronilla Reato. He lived in France for 6 years then returned with his family to Sorriva De Sovramonte, Italy. He immigrated to the United States at 18.

John is survived by his wife of 57 years, Carole (Hellums) Reato; son John (Gail) Reato Jr. of St. John, Indiana; daughter, Carla (Tim) Reato-Gardenhire of Schererville, Indiana; 5 cherished grandchildren; Tristan, Ethan, Victoria Gardenhire; Stephanie and John Anthony Reato; brothers; Robert of Highland, Indiana; Rudolpho of Belgium, sisters; Ughetta Canor of Belgium; Pasqualina Vignaduzzo of Australia, Fiorella Rento of Italy, and Dolores Reato of Italy. Many nieces and nephews here and overseas. Also a close friend of the family Lisa Waldron-Hanenburg.

John was preceded in death by his parents Antonio and Petronilla (DeCia) Reato, sisters Maria, Aurora, Grazia and mother-in-law Olga Hellums.

John attended night school to learn English and earned his GED while in America. He was employed at Inland Steel and upon completion of his 3 year apprenticeship he was called into the U.S. Army where he served 23 months. After his discharge he rejoined Inland Steel where he was employed for 45 years.

In 1954, through a friend John met the love his life, Carole Hellums a Polish girl from East Chicago, Indiana. There, love blossomed into marriage and in November 1958 they became man and wife.

John thought of his children and grandchildren as gifts from God and wanted to be a part of their lives as much as they would allow. There was nothing more important to him than his family. In 1992 John joined the Cesare Battisti Lodge #27, becoming part of a brotherhood that represents his beloved country. He was proud to be part of the Lodge and spent many hours helping out there and enjoying friendship and fellowship. He was honored as Member of the year in 2013. He spoke of it fondly. He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Griffith.  His hobbies included cooking, traveling and visiting with family. He will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Funeral services will be held Monday, March 16 ^th at 10:00am Directly at St. Mary Catholic Church located at 525 N. Broad Street in Griffith, with Fr. Theodore Mens celebrating.  Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Calumet City, IL

Friends may meet with the family on Sunday, March 15 ^th from 3:00pm-8:00pm at White Funeral Home located at 921 W. 45 ^th Avenue, Griffith.  There will be a prayer service at 4:00pm, on Sunday.

For more information please call White Funeral Home at 219-924-4100 or visit us at www.whitefuneralhomeofgriffith.com