Nello J. Monterastelli

Nello J. Monterastelli, 92, of Ottawa, Illinois, passed away Sunday, October 28, 2012 at Ottawa Pavilion. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday, November 2, 2012 at St. Columba Church, with Rev. David Kipfer officiating. Burial will be in Oakwood Memorial Park with Military Services. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 1, 2012 at Ottawa Funeral Home with prayers at 4:00 p.m. with the Knights of Columbus in attendance. Nello was born February 29, 1920, in Farmington, Illinois to Charles and Teresa (Orsini) Monterastelli. He married Phyllis Bluer on May 18, 1941 in Crown Point, Indiana. He was a member of St. Columba Church and the Knights of Columbus. He served in the United States Army during WWII, stationed in the Philippines. He retired from the Appellate Court maintenance department. He had worked for IDOT as a supervisor for the LaSalle County area. He was the first City of Ottawa Building Inspector. He served as a Democratic Precinct Committeeman for South Ottawa #7 precinct for 46 years. Nello was an avid fisherman. He was always ready to wet a line, and for many years enjoyed his trips up north for walleye with his fishing buddies. He enjoyed his annual vegetable garden, hosting an annual backyard Easter egg hunt for the grandchildren, and making wooden seasonal yard signs. Halloween and Christmas were his favorites. He left several fond memories for his family to remember. He is survived by his wife, Phyllis; one son, David (Janet) Monterastelli of Essex; two daughters, Diane (Joseph) Inman of Wellington, NV and Deborah (Allan) Patarozzi of Ottawa; nine grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; two brothers, Larry (Marilyn) Marta of Peru and John (Jane) Monterastelli of Bloomington. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Monterastelli and Teresa Marta; one brother; Arthur Monterastelli; two sisters, Gilda Kennedy and Erma Dulian; and a granddaughter, Jodi Marshall. Pallbearers will be Dave Monterastelli, Chad Marshall, Monte Cimino, Adam Cimino, Rob Poland, and Jeff Cofoid. Memorials may be directed to St. Columba Church.