Pete D. Cassulo

Herrin- Pete D. Cassulo, 97 of Herrin, passed away at 7:15 PM, Friday, April 3, 2009 at Herrin Hospital. Pete was born on October 24, 1911 in Seatonville, IL, the son of Dominic & Louise (Benedetto) Cassulo. When Pete was one year old, his family moved to Herrin where he lived throughout his life. He was married by Fr. DeGaspri at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church on January 25, 1940. Together they shared sixty-six years until Lenas passing on January 9, 2006. He worked as a truck driver before serving his country during WWII, while in the Army; he was awarded the Purple Heart for injuries received in combat on the Anzio beach head in Italy. After spending fourteen months in Army hospitals he was discharged and returned to Herrin to his wife and family. He worked for the Franklin County Coal Company at the Royalton office until the mine closed. He then worked at the Marion VA Hospital for twenty years before transferring to the Marion Federal Penitentiary for five years and retiring in June of 1974. Survivors include- Niece- Phyllis Frattini of Herrin Nephew- Steve Frattini & wife Sharon of Herrin Niece- Barbara Giglotto of Collinsville Nephew- Louis Cargnino & wife Susan of Wilmington, DE Niece- Rosemary Cramer & husband Ron of Kingman, KS Special friend- Richard Itchy Jones Good Neighbor- Minnie Moffe of Herrin Great Nieces & Nephews- Several Great Great Nieces & Nephews- Several He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, sister- Theresa Robinson & husband George, sister- Lucille Cargnino & husband Louis, nephew- Lynn Paul Frattini and neighbor- Bill Moffe. Pete was a life member and one of the founders of the Pigeon Inn Club in Herrin, a life member (and oldest member) of the VFW in Herrin, a life member of the Christopher Columbus Club, a life member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and a member of the Herrin Senior Citizens Club. He enjoyed fishing and sports and was a longtime member of the Chain Gang for Herrin Tiger Football. Pete touched countless lives with his kindness, compassion, and generosity and will be missed by many. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, April 8, 2009 at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin. Monsignor Ken Schaefer will officiate. Burial will follow at Herrin City Cemetery. Military rites will be performed at graveside by the Herrin VFW & American Legion Posts. Visitation will be from 5-8:00 PM, Tuesday, April 7, 2009. The prayer service will be held at 5:00 PM, Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorial donations are suggested to OLMC/ St. Marys Education Foundation and will be accepted at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home/ 201 S. 13th St./ Herrin, IL 62948. To view the memorial tribute please click here:http://memorial.yourtribute.com/petecassulo/