Edward J. Tatro

Edward James Tatro, age 91, passed away Friday October 14. 2016 at his home in New Lenox. Born, May 8, 1925, and raised in Joliet, residing in New Lenox since 1960. Employed by the E. J. & E. Railway as a locomotive fireman and engineer for 42 years retiring in 1985.
Proceeded in death by his wife of 67 years, Helen Louise (Rodgers), in 2012 and his parents Anna Louise (Wiseman) and Edward Clyde Tatro, also a great grandson Riley J. Romero
Survived by his daughter Linda Jean (Barry) Pfeifer of Mears, MI and son Edward Arnold (Karen) Tatro of New Lenox. Also his grandchildren: Christopher (Amy) Pfeifer, Jayna (Nick) Perez, Jennifer (Pedro) Romero, Edward Eric Tatro, LTC Elizabeth (Greg) Grossart, MD. US Army, Amy (Mike) Milbourn, April (Tim) McPhillips, and great grandchildren: Cole, Macy, Rex and Jacob Pfeifer, Colin and Owen Perez, Josh Romero, Zoe and Courtney Tatro and Elliot James Milbourn.
A United States Army Air Corp Veteran having served with the Bloody lOOth Bomb Group as a B-17 tail and waist gunner, flying out of Thorp Abbotts airbase, England. His B-17 was shot down returning from the 29th mission over Germany. Pilot, Jim Seamans, with engines knocked out or disabled, the plane on fire and parachutes destroyed or thrown out to lighten the load, nursed the plane back toward the English Channel crash landing at a Belgium air field that only weeks before had been controlled by Nazis. Because their pilot had completed the required 30 missions as lead formation plane, he was able to returned with his crew to the US, where Ed served until WWII ended 10 months later.
E. J. was a life long Lutheran and member of Trinity Lutheran Church N.L. for
55 years. He was also a life member of the 100th Bomb Group Foundation, New Lenox American Legion, VFW (NL and Cantigny), Brotherhood of Locomotive Fireman and Engineers, the Belmont A. C., the Will County Old Timers Baseball Association and former member of the Lockport Golf Club. He was an avid Chicago Cubs Fan since the 1930s and also a big Bears Fan. He loved spending time with family at his pool and at the family cabin on Lake Lucerne, Crandon, WI. He was especially proud of his grandchildren and loved attending, with "Grandma Helen", their school, sports, church and band events.
Special thanks to his helpful neighbors, his niece and grandaughters. In lieu of flowers donations to Trinity Lutheran Church New Lenox will be appreciated. As he would say: "Ta-ta for now" !
Visitation will be at Kurtz Memorial Chapel, 102 E. Francis Rd., New Lenox, IL 60451 on Sunday October 23, 2016 from 3:00 to 7:00 pm. Funeral will be at Trinity Lutheran Church, 508 N. Cedar Rd., New Lenox, IL on Monday, October 24, visitation from 10 am to 11and funeral at 11:00 am. Inurnment at Abraham Lincoln National at a later date. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Kurtz Memorial Chapel, New Lenox, IL. Info www.kurtzmemorialchapel.com or 815-485-3700.