Joseph L. Tomei

Joseph (Joe) Louis Tomei, 92, of Gurnee, IL beloved Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather and friend to many passed away peacefully on April 5th, 2026 in Lindenhurst, Illinois.

Joseph was born on September 24, 1933 in Highland Park, Illinois, to Joseph N and Melania Tomei. He attended the University of Illinois earning his bachelor’s degree in Business. Joe had an everlasting fondness for the U of I, for many reasons, but most of all, because that’s where he met his wife of 68 years and love of his life Donna. Together, Joe and Donna built a life filled with love, family, and shared passions. A staple to the Gurnee community where they raised their family, Joe and Donna, owned and operated Tomei Insurance Agency for nearly fifty years at one of the geographical focal points of the town. Joe had a passion for life that truly shined through his love of traveling, golf, and endless home projects. He most especially loved spending time with his lifelong friends and his beloved family, regaling them with tales of yesteryear, teaching life lessons, and holding many memorable heart-to-heart conversations along the way, in what he considered to be one of his primary roles serving as the patriarch and good shepherd of the family he was so proud to lead.

Joe is predeceased by his wife (Donna) and brother (Richard), and is lovingly remembered by his four sons, Mark (Sue), Dave (Mel), Robert and Bruce (Susan), eight grandchildren, Alicia (Matt), Tanya (Gino), Robert Jr. (Catherine), Mariah, Tim, Molly, Joseph and Ella, as well as his seven great-grandchildren, Siena, Leonardo, Giovanni, Aviana, Stella, Santino and Sofia. Though he is no longer with us, his love and guidance will forever light the way and live in the hearts of his friends and family.

Visitation Services will be held at Warren Cemetery & Funeral Home in Gurnee on the morning of April 10th, 2026 with Open Visitation from 10:00 to 11:00 and service at 11:00.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the University of Illinois Foundation, to honor Joe’s beloved university, in support of future generations.