Luke Grimelli

Dr. Luke J. Grimelli, 90, of Park Ridge, at peace with Christ Sunday, June 24, 2012 renowned and beloved doctor of internal medicine; devoted husband of the late Marie, nee Cassettari; loving son of the late Carlo and Rose Marie, nee Basta; father of the late Luke P. (Skip); fond grandfather of Luke II, Christopher (Jennifer), Danielle and James; great-grandfather of seven; brother-in-law of Albert (Angie) Cassettari, brother, uncle, friend and physician to many; dear friend of Bebe (the late Joseph) Nicolau and family and his devoted caregivers Jackie and Lillian. Born Nov. 27, 1921, he worked hard for his education while maintaining various jobs including doorman and lifeguard. Often exhausted from the grueling schedules he kept, Dr. Grimelli graduated from Crane Tech in 1939. He completed his Bachelor's Degree at Loyola University, carrying semester schedules in excess of 25 credits hours, in a short two and a half years in June 1942. He entered Loyola University's Stritch School of Medicine, graduating in July 1945. While attending medical school in 1943, Dr. Grimelli served in the U.S. Army in reserve status. Upon graduation from medical school, he was discharged from the Army and commissioned a First Lieutenant. During an internship at St. Francis hospital in Evanston, Dr. Grimelli suffered rheumatic fever resulting in carditis which ultimately ended his military service as a Captain in the medical corps in 1946. June 23, 1946, he was married to his childhood sweetheart, Marie Cassettari, a graduate of the University of Michigan and former US Olympic diver. At the University of Illinois - Chicago, Dr. Grimelli completed a fellowship in medicine conducting research resulting in a Master's Degree on kidney function. He remained on the teaching staff for 26 years at the University of Illinois. Dr. Grimelli maintained a private practice in Elmwood Park with the late Dr. Richard J. Vacco for over 40 years. He served on the staff of many Chicago area hospitals throughout his nearly 60 years of service including Mother Cabrini's Columbus Hospital, Rush University Medical Center, Loyola University Medical Center, Westlake Community, Oak Park Hospital, and Gottlieb Memorial Hospital. Dr. Grimelli was beloved by many for his gentle bedside manner and willingness to make house calls late into his career. He often served refusing payment or accepting minimal $15.00 appointment fees. Dr. Grimelli was active in his community, as a member of Mary Seat of Wisdom Catholic Church for over 50 years. He was an avid golfer, as a member of Ridgemoor Country Club in Harwood Heights and Avondale Country Club in Palm Springs, CA. Family and friends will gather for visitation Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at Mary Seat of Wisdom Church, Cumberland and Grandville Ave., Park Ridge. Mass 12 Noon. Interment with Military Honors at St. Joseph Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Mary Seat of Wisdom Capital campaign. Info : 708/456-3410 or www.cumberlandchapels.com.