Daniel Lupo

Daniel James Lupo, born April 29, 1931, died peacefully at home from cancer on June 6, 2016.Dan was the devoted husband of Margaret (nee Chiappetta, 1931-2012), loving father of Donna (Phil) Torf, and Daniel (Joanne) Lupo, and beloved grandpa to Raechel, Rubin, and Jordan Torf and Maggie Lupo. Dan greatly enjoyed a loving friendship with Mady Fern during his last years. Born to Antonio and Antonia Lupo, turn-of-the-century emigres from Pomarico, Italy, Dan was raised in Chicago’s Little Italy neighborhood by his uncle Domenico and aunt Francesca after mother Antonia died mere months after Dan was born. He remained close with brothers Nick, James 'Chip' , Dominick 'Dee', Mike, Tony and his sister Angeline 'Dolly', even while living with cousins Angie, Mary, Nick, and Felix. Despite being very poor, both families shared with Dan the bounty of their love, and the treasures of their Italian culture. Family was of primary importance to Dan and he remained close with his extended/blended family all his life, visiting siblings and cousins often and even vacationing with them in Wisconsin, California, New York, Florida, and Italy.Dan served as an Army corporal in the Korean War, being stationed in Hokkaido, Japan. He and Marge married in 1954 at St. Matthew’s Church, and honeymooned at Niagara Falls. They raised Donna and Danny in homes filled with love – first a two-flat with Antonio and stepmother Nunciata, then a two-flat in Portage Park with Domenico and Francesca, then a home custom built in Des Plaines (where Donna met Phil), and finally in Northbrook.Dan worked various blue-collar jobs, owned a grocery store with his brother Chip and a cleaners with his brother Tony, before eventually working white collar jobs at Frisbee Corporation and electronic circuit manufacturer Tingstol Company. He did whatever jobs were available to ensure his family was provided for. Dan and Marge practiced the lost art of saving money and living within their means. They offered their kids nurturing love, a stable home, and opportunities for personal growth, which neither of them had experienced as children. As a result, Dan and Marge lived the American dream of giving their kids a better life than they'd had. When retirement came, their love nurtured the grandkids, helping them know and appreciate their Italian heritage, and spoiling them with abundant hugs and kisses. Dan was thoroughly devoted to Marge. They met at Kraft foods (he attached love notes to the Velveeta bricks for her to receive down the production line), courted, and were married 58 years. Dan's care for Marge during her illness and decline redefined the notion of sacrificial love. When she passed away, he was utterly lost in grief. Eventually, Dan met Mady Fern, whose zest for life revived his spirits, and awakened in him latent interests in singing, learning, and socializing. Dan will be remembered for his incredible work ethic, his love of and sacrifices for his family, and his strength and perseverance throughout a mostly challenging life, from which his family, friends, and even strangers benefited. He ran a good race, fought a good fight, and did it his way. Visitation Thursday June 9th from 3 - 8 p.m. with a vigil service and rosary at 8 p.m. at Cumberland Chapels 8300 W. Lawrence Ave., Norridge. Funeral service begins Friday at 9:00 a.m. at the funeral home proceeding to Our Lady, Mother of the Church for 10:00 a.m. Mass. Interment with military honors at Queen of Heaven Cemetery.