PABLO Q. ACEVEDO Sr.

Pablo Q. Acevedo Sr. was a wonderful husband and father and an exceptional Papa. He always provided encouragement for his family and led the way in showing others what it meant to forgive and forget. His belief in God informed his decisions and shaped his life of dedication, kindness and happiness.

Pablo was born in Puebla, Mexico to Dolores Quintero Marmol De Acevedo and Isidoro Acevedo on July 10, 1935 at a time when families worldwide were raising children amid the hardships of a global depression. He was the youngest of seven children, all growing up with the values of strong faith, close family and hard work.

In 1959, Pablo moved to the United States to work alongside his brother for Tom Haas of Guns Unlimited. Pablo was a skilled gunsmith and machinist, and in time, he and brother Horacio branched out as independent contractors with various gun collectors and dealers. No stranger to work, Pablo was also a jeweler with Volkman’s Jewelers and Royal Jewelers and took a job in the press room with Ropers Corporation. Throughout Pablo’s career and numerous places of employment, his heart’s passion was working side-by-side with his brother, whether gunsmithing or painting.

Pablo then worked at Kankakee Community College in the physical plant, and by the time he retired 27 years later, he had taken part time work with the college as a painter. A hot cup of coffee in his hands and keys jingling at his side, Pablo was well known throughout the college for his hard work and friendly smile to everyone.

Family was always a priority in Pablo’s life, and it was at a family wedding that he met the woman who became his wife. Rosa M. Gonzales captured his heart, and on August 4, 1961, they made their marriage vows that would last a lifetime. Over the years, their four children and then numerous grandchildren brought them boundless joy.

It was during his years with the college that Pablo especially enjoyed his granddaughter, who attended KCC as a student. He was like a dad to her and always supported her in everything she did, not to mention checking to see if she got enough to eat by charging food on Pablo’s account. Over the years, his granddaughter would pay Pablo back by helping him anytime he had trouble with his computer. By her own admission, she wasn’t a computer whiz, but out of her deep appreciation for her grandfather, she tried her best. The two of them formed a close bond that extended to Pablo’s great grandson, whom he loved so much and was always eager to visit on Sundays. To quote his granddaughter: “I know my grandpa loved me, but every time I said, ‘I love you,’ he would respond back with, ‘Ya, ya, ya Froggie” (He always called me Froggie).” These were just a few of the cherished memories Pablo’s family shared with him.

Hard working as he was, Pablo also took an interest in many other activities. He went to orchestra programs and to sporting events for his grandchildren, offered his painting services to anyone who needed it, swam in the backyard pool and relaxed with his dog Arturo always by his side. He listened to classical music and liked watching documentaries on TV and programs on Animal Planet, History and the Discovery Channel. He kept up with the news and world events through internet websites, an indication of his concern for people. Pablo was the kind of man who always wanted to see the good in others and was willing to give everyone a second chance.

Pablo Q. Acevedo Sr., age 76, died Thursday, March 15, 2012 at Riverside Hospital in Kankakee, Illinois. He is loved and respected by his wife of 50 years, Rosa M. Acevedo; his children Martin Acevedo with daughter-in-law Susan of Kankakee, IL, Pablo Acevedo Jr. of Kankakee, Graciela George of Michigan, and Anna Stewart of Bourbonnais, IL, and his 24 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

Pablo was preceded in death by his brothers Jorge, Ricardo, Luis, Horacio and his sisters Gabriela and Yolanda.

For those who wish to pay their final respects to Pablo, there will be a gathering from 9:00-10:00 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Bradley, IL with a celebration of Pablo’s life in a funeral mass starting at 10:00AM on Tuesday, March 20, 2012. Cremation rites will be accorded following the services. In lieu of flowers, donations to be made to the family’s wishes.