Michael Santo Sapienza
Obituary's Biography:
Michael Santo Sapienza, age 87, of Grayslake, IL, and a longtime resident of Orland Park, passed away peacefully at his home on the evening of September 25, 2024, surrounded by his devoted wife, youngest daughter, and youngest son. Born in Chicago on April 4, 1937, to Michael and Frances Sapienza, he lived a life rich in love, family, and community.
Raised in the Bridgeport neighborhood near Comiskey Park, Michael was a good student and a hard worker, parking cars at White Sox games to earn pocket money. As a teenager, he worked night shifts loading soda trucks to fund his education and ultimately graduated from Loyola University with a degree in Microbiology. After college, Michael began a long and successful career with Nalco Chemical Company, where on his first day he met a beautiful switchboard operator who would later become his wife and life partner. Together, they built a family of five children.
Deeply rooted in the Catholic faith, Michael was a devout member of his church, serving on the parish council, as a eucharistic minister, and as a catechism teacher. He loved the outdoors, especially during the spring, finding joy in gardening and long walks through the forest preserves. For every family occasion, big or small, he had a camera in hand, always ready to document the special moments shared with those he loved.
During his distinguished career at Nalco, Michael was respected for his skill and integrity and promoted to leadership roles, eventually heading two manufacturing facilities. After retiring, he remained active, working part-time for the Calumet Area Industrial Commission, while spending quality time with his beloved dog, Buster, and traveling. His greatest joy came from his family, especially his grandchildren, whom he adored and whose accomplishments he celebrated with pride.
Michael is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Arlene; his children, Michael, Cynthia (Larry) Harmon, Mark, Suzanne (George) Psaras, and Robert; his grandchildren, Chloe, Dominic, Ashley, Alex, Colin, Quinn, Camaryn, Jake, Caden, and Mia; his great-granddaughters, Callie and Emmie; and his siblings, Gerald (Kimbien), Donald (Sharon), and Mary.
Funeral services will be held privately and entrusted to Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030. For more information log onto www.strangfuneral.org or contact (847)223-8122. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family.
A tribute video in honor of Michael can be viewed https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/LY6YPGG3H5XJYXQP Sentiments and memories may be shared using the comments section below.
God grant a special place in heaven to my most wonderful and dearly loved big brother, Michael. My heart is full of grief but also warm memories. My deepest love and sympathy to Arlene and all my nieces and nephews. I hold you in my thoughts and prayers 🙏 ❤️