Vito J. Sgambelluri
Surrounded by the love of God and family, Vito J. Sgambelluri, 94, of Springfield, died peacefully at his home on Sunday, July 3, 2016. A descendent of Italian immigrants, Vito was born on May 22, 1922 in Gary, IN to V. Anthony and Rose (Sansone) Sgambelluri. He married Lillian Rose Kolas on May 24, 1952 and together, the two raised three children.
Vito lived in Springfield since 1997, when he and Lillian moved to be near children and grandchildren. A deeply spiritual man, he was a member of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and was very involved in the lives of his children and grandchildren.
Prior to his time in Springfield, Vito lived in Merrillville, Indiana for 34 years, where he balanced family life with his 43-year career in Metallurgy and Specifications for U.S. Steel, his active real estate practice, and his service and leadership roles in the community. Believing in the importance of financial opportunities for all, he served on the Board of Directors for Tech Credit Union in Crown Point, IN for 30+ years. He founded the Toastmasters Club in Gary, IN, was a Lector at Ss. Peter & Paul Church, and an official site guide for U.S. Steel.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Lillian, who died on August 30, 2015. Also preceding him in death were his parents; five sisters, Helen Knickman, Caroline Ordinsky, Marie Venturella, Marge Messina, and Yolanda Perry; and two brothers, Joe and Paul (Gary).
Surviving are a daughter, Susan Sgambelluri of Bloomington, IN; two sons, Robert (Janice) Sgambelluri of Springfield and Thomas (Joyce Steigerwaldt) Sgambelluri of El Cajon, CA; three grandchildren, R. Michael, Philip (Ashley) and Lauren Sgambelluri; a sister, Bette Lorenz of Evanston, IL; a sister-in-law, Charlotte Sgambelluri of Gary, IN; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Visitation: Wednesday, July 6 from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at Staab Funeral Home in Springfield.
Funeral Mass: Wednesday, July 6 at 6:30 pm at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.
Graveside Service: Thursday, July 7 at noon at Calumet Park Cemetery in Merrillville, IN.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Springfield, IL.
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S. B. posted on 7/9/16
I did not know Mr. Sgambelluri or his family. But i do want to send my condolences to the family because I know how hard it is to lose someone close to you. I read that Mr. Sgambelluri was a very spiritual man and that is wonderful. The Bible does give us such a hope for us after our death. I wanted to share some scriptures that helped me in my time of loss, and I only hope can comfort the family as well. My favorite, and most comforting, is Revelation 21:3,4, where it talks of a time when mourning, outcry, and pain will be no more, and we will not have to go through that anymore. Another is Isaiah 25:8, "He will swallow up death forever". Won't that be wonderful? When God will wipe the tears of all faces and take death off this earth, so that we may live in peace. And not only will death be gone, but there will be a resurrection (Acts 24:15, John 5:28,29) These scriptures and more have always been a great comfort. Please visit Jw.org, the official website of Jehovah's Witnesses, if you want more scriptures that can help us through times of distress. I hope this is helpful to the family. Please accept my condolences.