Gabriel Casalino, 97

Born: June 30, 1924, Chicago

Died: Jan. 14, 2022, Algonquin

Gabriel Casalino, 97, died peacefully at home at Clarendale of Algonquin on Jan. 14.

Gabe was born in Chicago to Antonio and Rose (Grimaldi) Casalino on June 30, 1924. After graduation from high school, Gabe served in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1945. He was an ambulance driver at the Battle of the Bulge in Europe at the end of World War II.

After the war he met the love of his life, Ann Minnona, at the Paradise Dance Hall. They were married in 1948 and lived a loving life together for nearly 55 years. They raised three children in Chicago and Franklin Park. Gabe and Ann loved to dance and traveled often in their later years. Gabe worked for the Stewart Warner Co. for more than 40 years and for Flying Tiger Airline for 10 years.

Always willing to lend a hand, Gabe loved to play games, cards, and talk to everyone. With his easy smile and infectious laugh and willingness to break into song spontaneously, he was the life of the party at Clarendale of Algonquin for the past four years.

Gabe is survived by his children, Jean (the late Bob) Slavik, Tony (Marti) Casalino, and Pat (Bill) Moses; and his grandchildren, Marc (Brenda) Slavik, Karen Berns, Kristie (David) Trainor, James (Meredith) Casalino, and Jeff (Lauren) Moses; along with eight great-grandchildren and a great-great-granddaughter. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Vi DiCiolla, and many nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held Friday, Jan. 21, from 3 to 8 p.m. at the Rago Brothers Funeral home, 7751 W. Irving Park Road, Chicago. The funeral Mass will be held at St. Gertrude Catholic Church in Franklin Park on Saturday, Jan. 22, at 10:30 a.m.