Racine- Nello Salvatore Lilla, 78, passed away peacefully at Wheaton Franciscan – All Saints Cardiovascular ICU on Tuesday, November 8, 2011 surrounded by his loving family.

The son of Italian immigrants, Nello was born in Kenosha, WI on August 11, 1933 to the late Ottavio and Dolcissima (nee: Vignoli) Lilla. Following graduation from Mary D. Bradford High School, Nello faithfully served our Country as a Sergeant with the United States Air Force in the Korean War from 1951-1955.

On July 19, 1958 in St. Edward Catholic Church, Nello was united in marriage with the love of his life, Ruth Marie Davis. From 1956 until 1965, he was employed as a barber and served as President of the Racine Barber's Association. In 1965, Nello began his career as a well-respected deputy with the Racine County Sheriff's Department, serving as "Deputy Friendly" from 1974 until his retirement in 1990. He also served on the Highway Traffic Commission and State Safety Commission from 1966 until 1990. Remaining active in retirement, Nello was employed part-time at Piggly Wiggly – Spring Street as a security officer, although most customers new him as the friendly greeter. Nello currently served on the Civil Service Commission where he was President since 2008.

With personality plus, Nello always enjoyed being in the company of family and friends, whether it was playing cards like Cribbage, Boo Ray, Poker and Hand and Foot, or spending time with his Grandchildren. As a sports enthusiast, Nello was a huge Chicago Cubs and Bears fan. However, nothing was more important than his weekly "date day" with his beloved Ruth. Nello was a tremendous family man who strived to be the best husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather – a goal he certainly achieved.

Surviving are his loving wife of 53 years, his "Special Angel", Ruth; their children, Michael (Randi) Lilla, Gary (Sara) Lilla and Teri (Kevin Arent) Anchondo; six grandsons (of whom Nello was so proud), Michael (Stephanie) Anchondo, Mario (Julie Valente) Anchondo; Nicholas, Nathan, Matthew and Jacob Lilla; great-grandchildren, Hailey Rose, Bradley and Kyla Anchondo; sisters-in-law, Genevieve Lilla and Mardell Davis; brothers-in-law, Warren (Joyce) Davis and Bob (Suzie) Davis; many special nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends too numerous to mention by name.

In addition to his parents, Nello was preceded in death by his brothers, Americo (Marisa) Lilla and Mario Lilla; brother-in-law, Richard Davis; and sister-in-law, Arlene Gray.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, November 12, 2011 at 10 am in St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 6400 Spring Street, with Rev. Terrance J. Huebner officiating. Interment, with military honors, will follow in West Lawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Friday from 4-7 pm and in the church on Saturday from 9 -10 am.

A heartfelt note of thanks to the wonderful staff at Wheaton Franciscan – ICU for the incredible care and compassionate support extended over the past few days. May God bless all of you!