Gino Z. Acciavatti's Obituary
Decatur-Gino Z. Acciavatti, 90, of Decatur, went home to be with the Lord on Friday November 6, 2015, in his home with his family by his side.
Gino was born March 6, 1925, in Decatur, the son of Terzino and Annina (Luciotti) Acciavatti. A real estate broker and member of Ss. James & Patrick Church. Gino was co-owner of Acciavatti Realtor with his wife Margaret. He married Margaret on October 9, 1948.
Preceded in death by his loving wife Margaret E. Walker Acciavatti, and brothers Oscaro and Zopito. Survived by children: Thomas G. and Tony of Decatur, and Andrea (Paul) Bartels of Cincinnati, OH; grandchildren: Alyssa M. (David) Overton, Anthony R. Acciavatti, Anina (Evan) Blankenship, Alexandra Acciavatti, Graham C. Bartels and Anna M. Bartels; sisters: Ginetta Hanks and Rosetta Ellington of Decatur; special friend Micky Bullock; special family members: Pat & Gene Denison, Doreen Ferris and Deanne Cornelison; 40+ year valued employee and family friend Beverly Bahlman.
Upon high school graduation, Gino answered the call to serve his country during WW II by enlisting in the US Navy. Upon leaving submarine school he entered combat in the Pacific theater, on the U.S.S. Brill (SS330). He engaged the enemy in multiple combat patrols, surviving depth charges and surface battles. Gino was an official “shellback”. He was awarded the “dolphins” and was a torpedoman’s mate, 2nd class (SS). Gino was awarded the Victory Medal, WW II, Philippine Liberation Medal, (1 Battle Star), Asiatic Pacific Medal and American Campaign Medal. Submarine service during WW II had the highest casualty rate of any unit of all of the Armed Forces.
After the war Gino went into partnership with his mother and father operating The Roma Restaurant. In 1948 he married Margaret Walker, and they moved to Monet, MO, where they built from scratch a white grape farm. In May of 1951 they moved to Heman, IL. On June 27, 1951 a F3 tornado destroyed their home and they lost every personal item in their possession.
In 1953 Gino received his real estate license, in ’55 received his broker’s license & with 5 veteran friends formed United Realty Company. Throughout his real estate career Gino was President of the Board of Realtors in 1970, Illinois State Realtor of the Year 1993, developer of Shadow Lane 5th addition, and developer of Hyde Park. Gino was also President of the St. James Credit Union for many years. For many years he was a Eucharistic minister at St. Patrick’s Church. Gino enjoyed being outdoors, the game of golf, and he had an encyclopedic knowledge of trees and plants which he used to turn houses and developments into homes. He received much joy from watching raccoons, foxes and birds in his backyard. Throughout his life Gino’s faith informed him that dedication to God, family and country would reap great rewards. If you would like to hear more about Gino’s exemplary life, there will be a printed narrative given at the visitation and funeral mass.
The family will have a vigil prayer service at 4:00 pm, with visitation following from 5-7pm, Friday November 13th at Moran & Goebel Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:30 am, Saturday November 14th, at St. James Church, 725 E. Clay Street Decatur, IL with Rev. John Burnette celebrant. Entombment will take place in the Star of Hope Mausoleum at Graceland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Evan Scholars Foundation, (for golf caddies) One Briar Rd, Golf, IL 60029 or Special Operations Warrior Foundation, P.O. Box 89367, Tampa, FL 33689.
The Acciavatti family is being served by the Moran & Goebel Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2801 N. Monroe St., Decatur, IL 62526. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.moranandgoebel.com.
Video Tribute for Gino Acciavatti: https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/3Z235PN7MQKD7KC5
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