Alphonso Joseph Prospero

Al Prospero, 89, of New Lenox, IL, entered into eternal rest at his home on July 4, 2026.

He was born on October 15, 1936, in Chicago Heights, IL. He was raised in Joliet, IL, where he attended Holy Cross Catholic School and Joliet Catholic High School. Playing fullback at The Hill under Coach Gordie Gillespie was a highlight of his high school years. He then served two years in the United States Army and achieved the rank of Specialist 2nd Class. After discharge from the Army, he began his employment at Northern Illinois Gas Company. It was at this time that he went on a blind date with Janice Gustafson. That date led to marriage two years later in 1959. Al enjoyed his career and co-workers at the gas company and worked there for the next 36 years. He retired in December of 1993.

Al Prospero was a man of great faith. He attended and ushered weekly Mass at St. Jude Catholic Church in New Lenox. Al was also a vibrant and busy man who was proud to live in New Lenox and participated as a coach in the New Lenox Baseball program as well as the Pop Warner Lightweight Football League. Not only could Al be found on a field with his boys, but he could also be seen court side supporting his daughter as she played volleyball and participated in gymnastics. 

Al was the embodiment of a family man. While much time was spent with athletics, academics was most important to him. In addition, he enjoyed his large garden and was eager to walk with his grandchildren into the backyard to pick tomatoes, zucchini, lettuce, peppers, and onions. He took great pride in growing his flavorful garlic, and each season the family eagerly anticipated its harvest. For recreation, Al and the family would head to CECO. While Al preferred to walk on the beach in his work boots and jeans, he enjoyed doing all the grilling. Many a Father’s Day celebration was spent there cooking out and enjoying the scenery.

He was preceded in death by his parents Alphonsus Floyd and Louise (nee Szafarz) Prospero and sister Anne Olszta.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 67 years, Janice, his four children Michael (Theresa), Cynthia (Stephen) Hogg, Paul (Rochelle) and James (Jennifer), his loving grandchildren Francesca (Camden) Meade, Jennifer (Michael) Fusakio, Jess Hogg, Joshua Hogg, Jacob Hogg, Katrina (Frank) Maione, Dominic Prospero, Anthony (Sherry) Prospero, Madeline Prospero, and Nicholas Prospero, and seven great-grandchildren.

Memorials in Al’s name can be made to Wounded Warrior Project.

Visitation is Saturday, July 11, 2026, at St. Jude Church New Lenox from 10:00am to 11:00am. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00am. Interment Mount Vernon Memorial Estates in Lemont.