Fr. John D. Aiello

Father John D. Aiello, age 70, passed away Friday, July 15, 2011, in Kenosha. He was born on November 28, 1940, in Kenosha, son of the late Luigi and Anne (Nee: Scarlato) Aiello. He began his studies for the priesthood in 1954 at St. Francis Minor Seminary, continued in 1960 at DeSales Preparatory, and completed his priestly formation at Saint Francis de Sales Seminary in 1969. Father Aiello was ordained to the priesthood on May 24 1969, by the Most Reverend William E. Cousins at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Milwaukee.

Father’s priestly ministry began June 17, 1969, as an associate pastor at St. Lucy Parish, Racine. On June 16, 1970, he was appointed associate pastor at St. Jerome Parish, Oconomowoc; appointed chaplain at St. Luke’s Hospital, Milwaukee, on September 1, 1972; and appointed associate pastor at St. Sebastian Parish, Milwaukee, on June 18, 1974. He was appointed the Secretary of the Metropolitan Tribunal on June 13, 1978, a position in which he served for the next 24 years. Father was appointed to his first pastorate on June 18, 2002, serving St. Joseph Parish, Racine, until his retirement from active ministry this past June.

Fr. John was a life member of the Apostolate of Suffering. He was a diehard Cubs Fan and Packer Fan. He loved good food, wine and the company of family and friends. He will be dearly missed.

Surviving are his sister, Rita (Vincent) Seliga of Pleasant Prairie; sister-in-law, Jill Aiello of Kenosha; nephew, Rick Aiello of Chicago; nieces, Elizabeth (Geoff) Olson of Round Lake, IL, Janel (Jeff) Wamboldt of Pleasant Prairie; four great-nieces, Taylor Wamboldt, Brooke Wamboldt, Abby Olson and Emily Olson; other relatives and many loving friends. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brother, Richard.

A Concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial for Father Aiello will be celebrated Friday, July 22, 2011, at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 1533 Erie St., Racine. Interment will follow at All Saints Cemetery in Kenosha. Relatives and friends may meet with the family Thursday at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church from 3-7 p.m. and on Friday from 9:30 a.m. until time of Mass. Memorials to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church have been suggested.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Dr. Richard Odders, Father’s caregivers at Ridgewood Care Center, St. Monica’s Senior Citizens Home and St; Joseph’s Home for their loving and compassionate care, and to his extended family at St. Joseph Parish for their outpouring of love.

May he rest in peace.

MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine   (262) 634-7888