George Lestina Sr.

BRAIDWOOD—George Richard Lestina Sr., 97, lifelong resident of Braidwood, passed away Monday, Sept. 16, 2019 at Heritage Health in Dwight.
Born Feb. 8, 1922 in Braidwood, he was the son of John and Bessie (nee Kral) Lestina. George was a veteran of the United States Army, serving during WWII in the 103rd Cactus Division from 1942-1945. He married the former Joyce C. Vogen on Nov. 12, 1955 in Joliet. He was formerly employed at APSA and Uniroyal in Elwood and later retiring from Will-DuPage Farm Service in Joliet. George was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church in Braidwood, Braidwood Recreation Club, American Legion Koca Post #39 in Braidwood, and the VFW Post #5422 in Wilmington. He enjoyed gardening and taking care of his yard. Surviving are three sons: George (Marilyn) Lestina Jr., of Braidwood; John (Lora Jill) Lestina Sr., of Bloomington, IN and Joseph (Kathleen) Lestina, of Braidwood; two grandchildren, John (Kristy) Lestina Jr. and Jason (Rachel) Lestina and one great-granddaughter, Kristi Lestina.
Preceding him in death were his parents, wife, Joyce; four brothers: Jack, Fred, Frank and Joe; three sisters: Agnes, Bessie and Eleanor; and his grandson, George Lestina III. 
Funeral service will be at the R.W. Patterson Funeral Home & Crematory, Friday, Sept. 20, 2019 at 9 a.m. Deacon Greg Cummings will officiate. Interment with military honors will follow at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood. The visitation will be Thursday, Sept. 19, from 4-8 p.m.
The family would like to thank George’s caretaker, Ed, for all his special care.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in his name may be directed to Joliet Area Community Hospice or to the donor’s choice.
For more information and to sign the online guestbook log on to www.rwpattersonfuneralhomes.com or find them on Facebook at R.W. Patterson Funeral Home & Crematory.
R.W. Patterson Funeral Home & Crematory, 401 E. Main St., Braidwood is in charge of arrangements.