Obituary: Paul R. Stancato

Obituary was published and funeral arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory.

Paul R. Stancato

Paul R. Stancato, age 82, of Shorewood, passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, in Wausau, Wisconsin.

Born June 10, 1943, in Chicago, he was the son of the late Michael R. and Beatrice M. (Ellis) Stancato, and a graduate of Morton High School (now J. Sterling Morton High School). He continued his education at Southern Illinois University and pursued further studies in construction engineering at Purdue University.

Paul was a proud veteran of the United States Army, serving from 1967 to 1969.

He owned Heritage Construction Management from 1984 to 1990, and went on to work for various construction land surveying firms, including C3 Corp, Paul R. Stancato Surveying, and Kudrna and Thompson Surveying.

Paul lived a life defined by craftsmanship, curiosity, and connection. An accomplished Land Surveyor, he approached his work with precision and pride, leaving a lasting imprint on the landscapes and communities he served. Paul was a larger-than-life man who worked hard, played hard, and gave generously, embracing each day with energy and purpose.

Outside of his profession, Paul found joy on two wheels, riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycles with a spirit of freedom that matched his adventurous heart. He was also an avid collector of HO gauge model trains, a hobby that reflected his eye for detail and love of creating worlds in miniature.

From 1980 to 1997, Paul was an active member of St. Michael’s Church in Orland Park, IL, where he gave generously of his time and talents - helping neighbors, friends, and fellow parishioners with home improvement projects and lending a hand wherever it was needed. His kindness, reliability, and willingness to roll up his sleeves earned him the respect and gratitude of his community.

He is survived by his sons, Paul M. Stancato and his wife, Felicia Stancato (née Finley), and Mark Stancato and his wife, Kristin Stancato (née Royce); his brother, Michael Stancato and his wife, Irene; and his partner in life, Carol Marcus. Paul was married to Kathleen Bretz (née Duoba) from 1967 to 1997. Paul had a wide circle of friends who will miss his humor, generosity, and steady presence.

Visitation for Paul will be held Tuesday, August 12, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. until the time of funeral services at 6:00 p.m., at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Road, Joliet.

Cremation rites will be accorded following services, and interment will be in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, IL at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Paul’s name can be made to Wounded Warrior Project (woundedwarriorproject.org), Disabled American Veterans (DAV) (dav.org), or Fisher House Foundation (fisherhouse.org)

For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com

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