Joseph "Limo" Vinardi

Joseph "Limo" Vinardi was a man whose passion was for cars, but his heart belonged first and foremost to his family and friends. With his intuitive mind, he was a legend in building cars and at the countless car shows he attended each year. Joseph shared many years with his true love with whom he shared not only his heart, but his zest for life. Some will miss Joseph for his insatiable sense of adventure while others will miss him for his vast knowledge of cars and car building. Yet it will be his fun-loving and tender heart that will be so dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

In many ways the 1950s were a turbulent decade as The Cold War between the Soviet Union and the United States played out through its entirety. The United States became involved in the Korean War even though we had hoped to remain neutral. This was also a time of great change within the culture of our nation as televisions were becoming a focal point in more and more homes, the World Series was broadcast in color for the first time, and rock ‘n roll became the latest craze in the world of music. This was an exciting time for the family of Michael Joseph and Jacqueline (Grecco) Vinardi as they were celebrating the birth of their son, Joseph Michael, on December 15, 1954. Joseph was born in Chicago, Illinois as one of five children in his family. His father supported his family through his work in the road construction business while his mother stayed home and cared for the family. Joseph attended local schools including Morton East High School from which he graduated in 1972. He then attended college for one year.

It was during his formative years that Joseph developed values and interests that would remain with him throughout the rest of his life. One such value was the incredible worth of family. Joseph fostered close relationships with his brothers and sister with whom he shared common interests. One of the threads woven throughout Joseph’s life journey was his passion for cars. Even in high school he used to borrow his father’s 1932 Ford and cruise around town. Joseph also used to drag race during his high school days and on one occasion he even raced against his shop teacher. Interestingly, he then failed the course! When it came to cars, they were a bit of a family affair as his whole family was into racing, traveling, and building show cars. Durring his younger years Joseph also enjoyed slot cars.

Great changes were in store for Joseph when he met a young girl in 1972 who would forever change the course of his life. Her name was Donna Koechle and she worked at the Berwyn Theatre in his hometown of Berwyn IL. After dating for a time Joseph and Donna were united in marriage on May 28, 1977 at St. Frances of Rome Catholic Church in Cicero, Illinois. They were later blessed with the births of three children: Michael, Jolene, and Carrie. Joseph worked as a mechanic for Davis Tires in order to support his family. Later in life, poor health forced him into early retirement.

Although his family and his work occupied much of his time, Joseph was involved in many other things too. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Bradley, Illinois. Joseph was also a member of Ogden Avenue Street Machines, Chicago Style Street Machines, Backwood Cruisers, the International Car Show Association (ICSA), National Hot Rod Association (NHRA), and the Kustom Kemps of America (KKOA). He enjoyed car shows and drag racing and was even a bit of a legend in building cars when he went to shows. As much as Joseph enjoyed all of these things, however, his family always held the most prominent place in his heart.

Joseph “Limo” Vinardi was a man who had room in his heart for three great loves: his family, his friends, and cars. He lived a vibrant life making the most of each day he was given, even as he suffered with health challenges. Joseph worked hard throughout his life, yet knew what it meant to have fun too. He enjoyed being social and sharing his passions with those who were like-minded. Joseph was known as a legend to many, but to his family he was simply a brother, a husband, a father, and a grandfather. He will be dearly missed by those who now treasure each and every moment they were given to share with such a remarkable man.

Joseph Michael “Limo” Vinardi died on December 12, 2009 at St. Mary’s Hospital. Joseph’s family includes his wife Donna, his children, Michael Vinardi and his friend, Katie, of Bradley, IL, Jolene Vinardi and her friend Henry Bryant, of Bradley, IL, Carrie Vinardi of Bradley, IL; four grandchildren, Joseph, Christopher, Marcus, and Ne'veh Vinardi; two brothers, Michael (Robin) Vinardi of Donovan, IL, Richard Vinardi of Bradley, IL, and one sister, Mary Vinardi of Kankakee, IL. Joseph was preceded in death by one brother, John Vinardi and one granddaughter, Jessica Vinardi. Services will be held on Wednesday, December 16, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. at the Bradley Chapel of the Schreffler Funeral Home. Visit with Joseph’s family and friends on Wednesday, December 16, 2009 from 4:00 p.m. to the time of services at 7:00 p.m. at the Bradley Chapel. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or photo, sign the online guestbook, or make a memorial contribution to the charity the family chooses.