Mike F. Del Medico

NAME Mike F. Del Medico,age 51 , of St. Charles, died suddenly Sunday, December 13, 2009. Mike will be remembered for man that he was, the memories that he made and the love that he gave to family and friends. Although his life ended, his spirit lives on in all those who knew him and who will miss him and who grieve for what might have been. BORN: Mike was born on October 12, 1958, the son of Paul and Diane (Rossi) Del Medico in Junction City, Kansas. EARLY YEARS:Mike’s childhood was surrounded by generations of family all in one building in Chicago owned by his grandparents. With each family living on their own floor, the upbringing Mike received was multigenerational. Following his schooling, auto body restoration caught his attention and became a technician beginning his career in the local shops around the suburbs of Chicago. MARRIAGE: Mike met the love of his life in 1975 at the age of sixteen. Mike’s Mach 1 Mustang at the local drive in theater attracted Monica’s attention but it was Mike that captured her heart. That instant attraction fueled five years of dating and culminated when their two hearts became one on June 7, 1980. They made their home in Glendale Heights for a time and over the years lived many places throughout the suburbs but settled in St. Charles in 1992. OCCUPATION / WORK HISTORY:Mike’s love of working on cars culminated in the opening of his own business in 1982 but his entrepreneurial spirit wouldn’t let him stop at one so as years went by his businesses expanded culminating in the opening of Mastercraft Autobody in Wauconda in 1992. Every year Mike received more and more certifications that helped his hone his craft until GM recognized his level of specialization that went above and beyond any other. MEMBERSHIPS: Mike was a sportsman at heart and spent many years as a member of St. Charles Sportsman Club. LIFE NOTES: Mike was a perfectionist at heart and took incredible pride in everything he did and his legendary skills, automotive and culinary alike, were unrivaled. From restorations to his "command center" in the kitchen, Mike reigned over all. No one was more special to Mike than his son and he was quick to heap praises onto Mike Jr. and share his triumphs to everyone he met. He also made Michael his official "apprentice" gutting rooms, cleaning windows, and general restoration projects over the years. Mike’s spirit was born in sarcasm and bathed in practical jokes that he liked to "share" with family and friends. He loved to laugh and his smile brightened rooms. He also loved the outdoors. His favorite hunting grounds could be found at St. Aubin’s Nursery in Woodstock, IL. When it came to fishing, Mike called Lake Erie and Canada his home. He was an avid pyrotechnic on Fourth of July and any other holiday Mike deemed worthy of fireworks and personally kept the industry alive. His heart was made of gold and his waist size was only exceeded by his generosity. Mike had a special relationship with his nephew Matthew following the loss of his father. Mike never wanted to fill the shoes of his brother but only wanted only to walk side by side helping to guide his nephew through the trials of life. Mike will be missed for many reasons, but his life and memory will be cherished for many years to come. SURVIVORS: He now leaves his wife Monica, His son Mike (Lindsay Wasenko) Del Medico of Chicago, IL, His mother, Diane Del Medico of Addison, IL, Two brothers:Paul and Mark Del Medico, His paternal grandparents, Frank and Philomena Del Medico of River Grove, IL, His mother-in-law, Marcie Vazquez of Lombard, IL, Many aunts and uncles including Mary (Frank) Donato of Addison, IL,Several brother and sister-in-laws, many nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of people who were lucky enough to call him friend. PRECEDED:He now joins his father, his grandpa Steve Rossi, father-in-law, Gilbert Vazquez and brother-in-law Christopher Kapusta who preceded him in death. VISITATION / FUNERAL Visitation will be from 3-9p.m. at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn on Friday, December 18, 2009. The Elburn Fire Department will honor the family at 6 p.m. with a Catholic Wake service to commence at 8 p.m. Visitation will pause for these services and recommence at their conclusion. A funeral to celebrate his life will be on Saturday, December 19, at 10 AM at St. Patrick’s Mission Catholic Church, 6N491 Crane Rd., St. Charles, IL. Private family interment will occur at a later date following cremation. MEMORIAL In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in his name to benefit his favorite charities including Illinois Children’s Burn Camp and the LivingWell Cancer Resource Center. Checks may be made to the "Mike Delmedico Memorial" and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Tributes may also be forwarded to the same address or on the web at www.conleycare.com

Visitation will be from 3-9p.m. at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn on Friday, December 18, 2009. The Elburn Fire Department will honor the family at 6 p.m. with a Catholic Wake service to commence at 8 p.m. Visitation will pause for these services and recommence at their conclusion. A funeral to celebrate his life will be on Saturday, December 19, at 10 AM at St. Patrick’s Mission Catholic Church, 6N491 Crane Rd., St. Charles, IL.

Private family interment will occur at a later date following cremation.