Joseph Spilotro

Reverend Joseph Spilotro, Age 90, late of Dolton IL and formerly of the East Side in Chicago, IL, passed away on May 17, 2020. Loving son of late Peter and Rosemary Spilotro.  Beloved husband of the late Irene Spilotro. Loving father of Vickie (late Albert) Williams. Dear brother of the late Mary Rose Conrad.  Kind uncle to Glendine M. Conrad and Peter J. Conrad.

Reverend Spilotro was born in Chicago, IL to Peter and Rosemary Spilotro.  He attended both Taylor and Thorpe Elementary Schools and graduated from Bowen High School.  He was drafted into the Army in 1950. He served overseas as a Staff Sargent in Korea.  Joseph met his wife, Irene, at a South Side roller rink, and they married when he returned from the Korean War in 1952.

His father founded the Christian Congregation Church (later renamed East Side Full Gospel Church).  When the last pastor left, the congregation begged Reverend Spilotro and his wife to lead services.  They served faithfully at the church for over 20 years until they retired.  They also started the ‘Shekinah the New and Living Way’ radio ministry.  Through the broadcasts, and the Bibles they provided, eight churches were founded in Africa.

Reverend Spilotro and his wife were also active members of the Women’s Aglow Ministries, an interdenominational organization of Christian women.  His wife served as President and he served on the Board of Directors.

Prior to becoming a pastor, Reverend Spilotro and his wife owned and operated a restaurant in the 1950’s and early 1960’s called, ‘Rosemary’s Sandwich Shop’ which was located on the East Side. Although it was a thriving business, they decided to sell the restaurant and subsequently moved to the Chicago south suburbs in 1969.

After retiring from active ministry and following his wife’s death in 2003, Reverend Spilotro joined the Pinochle Clubs at the Thornton Township Senior Center in Calumet City, Illinois, Wicker Park in Munster Indiana and at the St. John Senior Center in Schererville, Indiana.  He really enjoyed playing cards four times a week with the seniors at these locations.

Reverend Spilotro was a very kind and generous man.  He was also very handy and could build and fix just about anything.  He was a great husband, father, and minister.  He will be missed by his family and friends and also those who were a part of his church congregation for many years.

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