Carmine Varriale

Carmine Varriale, 99, of Frankfort, IL passed away peacefully on Saturday September 30, 2023. He was born on April 8, 1924, in Naples, Italy to Ciro and Vincenza Varriale.

As an adolescent in Naples, he was greatly religious and had planned to enroll in Medical School, but World War II altered that path for him. He emigrated to the United States in 1948. He relocated to and settled in the Little Italy neighborhood of Chicago, IL, working a variety of jobs in the area. Eventually realizing his “American Dream,” Carmine relocated with his growing family to farmsteads in Tinley Park, IL, and later in Green Garden Township, IL, which he proudly cultivated for many years. Some of his happiest hours were spent tilling his land, raising livestock, and tending in his vegetable gardens. He sold crops and participated in farmer’s market across the south suburbs well into his nineties. He was also an avid aviation buff and an accomplished cook of many Italian culinary delights. Carmine always drew great strength from his Catholic faith, which guided him throughout his life up to his final days.

Carmine is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 62 years the late, Ida (nee Ruggiero) Varriale and his siblings Renato, Eduardo, Lilliana, and Maria-Pia. Surviving are his brother Frank and his devoted children: Ciro (the late Karen) Varriale, Salvatore (the late Theresa) Varriale, Thomas Varriale, Rosemarie (Ron) Meyers, Ida (John) Tylk, Ron (Sherry) Varriale, Camilla (the late David) Holton, and Anne (the late Jeff) Worthington: Cherished grandfather of many; proud great grandfather, as well as a great- great grandfather.

Carmine’s family was his pride and joy-- and the love he shared with them, can never be measured by time. He will be greatly missed. A visitation will be held at Kurtz Memorial Chapel 65 Old Frankfort Way, Frankfort, IL on Sunday October 8, 2023 from 3-8pm. A funeral mass will follow on Monday morning at St. Josephs Catholic Church 255 W. North St Manhattan, IL 10:30am with entombment to follow at Queen of Heaven Hillside Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Carmine’s name to the American Heart Foundation.