Joseph J. Ferrantelli Sr.

Joseph J. Ferrantelli Sr., age 97, of Schererville, IN, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 9, 2026. Beloved husband of the late Helen Ferrantelli, nee Cuprak. Loving father of Joseph Jr. (Christine) Ferrantelli, Linda Ferrantelli (partner Thomas Nowak), Karen (Gregory) Toth, and Michael Ferrantelli (partner Raejean Zipko). Cherished grandfather of Karla Jones, Gregory (Sarah Ryan) Bales, Jordan (Christina) Ferrantelli, Lenea (John) Apel, Kelsy (Brian) Littlejohn, Alexander (Ksenia) Nowak, and Paige (Anthony) DiChiara. Great-grandfather of Lucas, Luna, Sawyer, Sadie, Sullivan, Katherine, Annalena, Rosalie, Leonardo, and Zosia. Preceded in death by his siblings, Michael, Katie, Paul, Marion (Butch), and Josephine, and by his parents Vincenzo and Lena Ferrantelli. 

Joseph was a United States Korean War Army Veteran. He was a retired Pipefitter for Unilever (Lever Brothers) after many years of dedicated service. Joseph was a lifelong Cubs and Chicago sports fan. He loved golfing, family gatherings and dinners, playing cards and poker. He was a DIY tinkerer and builder. Joseph was loved by many and will be dearly missed.

Memorial visitation for family and friends will be held Friday, August 14, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the memorial service at 2:00 p.m. at Smits Funeral Home 2121 Pleasant Springs Lane, Dyer, IN. Memorial contributions may be given to Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Department of Veterans Affairs General Post Fund. For further information, please contact 219-322-7300 or visit our online obituary and guest book at www.SMITSFH.com