Joseph J. Richiusa, 90, of Springfield, joined his heavenly family on Saturday, March 9, 2019. He was born on August 12, 1928 in Springfield, the son of Bartolo and Lucia DiGangi Richiusa, and they preceded him in death. He married Leona A. Leo on April 24, 1954 at St. James Church in Riverton and she preceded him in death on April 1, 2007. He was also preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Mary F. (Frank) Matheis.
He is survived by two nieces: Rita Messinger of Springfield and Sheri (Bob) Unger of Plano, TX, nephews: Steve (Donna) Matheis of Springfield, Paul (Linda) Matheis of Indianapolis, IN and Mark (Linda) Matheis of Rock Island, and several great nieces, nephews and cousins.
Joe was a Sergeant in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was an engineer technician for the Illinois Department of Transportation, retiring after 33 years. He was an usher and member of St. Agnes Church and a daily volunteer at St. Joseph’s Home for many years, a life member of the Knights of Columbus, DAV, VFW and KWVA. He was a drummer for several bands, including in the U.S. Army and the 114th Regiment Civil War Unit reactivated.
The family would like to give many thanks to St. Joseph’s Home for the special care they gave Joe.
Visitation: 9:30 – 10:45 am, Wednesday, March 13, 2019 at St. Agnes Church.
Funeral Mass: 11:00 am, Wednesday, March 13, 2019 at St. Agnes Church with Reverend Robert Jallas officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery where military honors will be conducted.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph’s Home or St. Agnes Church.
Date: Wednesday, March 13, 2019
Time: 09:30 am - 10:45 am
St. Agnes Church
Date: Wednesday, March 13, 2019
Time: 11:00 am
St. Agnes Church
Date: Wednesday, March 13, 2019
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph’s Home or St. Agnes Church.
Help tell the story of Joseph's life by contributing to the Life Event Timeline. Upload the photo of an event...
Bob Best posted on 3/19/19
To the Family of Joe, I have known Joe for many years as we are both musicians. Though we were many years apart he was always friendly and I don't think I ever saw him without a smile on his face. We shall all miss Joe very much. He is now playing his drum with his good buddy, Steve Hall, for our Heavenly Father. God Bless Them Both!