Joe Usalis

Joseph "Joe" Richard Usalis, 67, passed away on Wednesday, March 20, 2013, at his home in Harrison.He was born on Dec. 6, 1945 in Chicago, Ill., to Joseph R. Usalis Sr. and Blanch Petak Usalis.Joe grew up in Chicago. He graduated from Grant High School in Ingleside, Ill.. He attended University of Illinois, Carthage University and Lake Forest College and Northern Illinois University. He held a masters degree in business and a masters degree in accounting. He began work for International Harvestor Division, Dresser and Kamotsu. During his professional career he held several positions of leadership as construction division controller and project manager. He recently retired after 45 years of dedicated service in 2012.He was a member of St. Bedes Catholic Church in Ingleside, Ill. He attended First Baptist Church in Cleveland, Tenn. Joe was an avid Chicago sports fan of Chicago Bear, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Black Hawks and Chicago Bulls. He also enjoyed boating, fast cars, traveling, movies especially westerns and spending time with family and friends. He was a member of River City Corvette Club where he served as board member.He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Blanch Usalis.Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 44 years, Evelyn Wright Usalis, of Harrison; his son, Jason Usalis and fiance, Valerie Vazquez, of Spring Grove, Ill.; daughters; Brenda (Josh) Horn, of Litchfield, Ill., Jenny (Mike) Randall, of Chicago, Ill.; also three grandchildren, Noah Horn, Chloe Horn and Sam Horn. Countless friends and neighbors. Also, his special companions, Dusty and River his beloved cats of 16 years.Funeral service will be held at Chattanooga Funeral Home, North Chapel at 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 23, 2013.The family will receive friends from 3 p.m. until time of service on Saturday, March 23. The service will begin at 7 p.m in the North Chapel with Rev. Tom Wickes.Burial at Ascension Cemetery in Libertyville, Ill.Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com.Arrangements are by Chattanooga Funeral Home Crematory and Florist, North Chapel, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN, 37343.