Enrico's Italian Dining Co-Founder Harry D'Ercole Sr. Dies at 89

Harry D’Ercole Sr., 89, formerly of Frankfort, Illinois, passed away peacefully in his sleep on July 12, 2015, at the Brookdale Memory Care Residences in Joliet. Harry D’Ercole Sr., was born May 11, 1926.

Preceded in death by his devoted wife and business partner, Shirley Miller D’Ercole, Harry Sr. spent over six decades in the food industry as a businessman, entrepreneur, chef and restaurant owner. Upon his discharge from the Army in 1948, Harry worked in the family grocery store in Blue Island, where he met his wife, Shirley. Together, they had two boys, Harry Jr. and Robert (Bob). Harry Sr., in partnership with his brother Don (dec.), opened his first restaurant, the D’Ercole Riviera Supper Club, in Midlothian in 1957 where he served as the owner/chef and welcomed politicians, entertainers and other Chicago-area notables on a regular basis.

In 1969, Harry Sr. saw a new business opportunity in Frankfort and purchased the O’Aces, a restaurant formerly at the corner of LaGrange Road and Route 30. In 1974, the family moved to Frankfort, and Harry Sr. along with Harry Jr. opened Enrico’s Italian Dining, just behind the O’Aces. Wife Shirley and son Bob worked in the family restaurant as well.

Still a fixture in the restaurant even in his later years, Mr. D., as he was known to staff and patrons, always had a smile on his face and something of value to say. He was proud that Enrico’s was known as the restaurant where “good friends and good food come together.”

Harry D’Ercole Sr., is survived by sons Harry Jr. and Robert (Susan Mislich D’Ercole), granddaughter Ele D’Ercole, sister-in-law Lillian Gionnoni D’Ercole, and sister-in-law Barbara Miller Walsh. Harry Sr.’s parents, Maria Petrini D’Ercole and Narcioso D’Ercole immigrated to the United States from Luca, Italy.Memorials may be directed to Gerardi Funeral Home, 9501 W. Lincoln Highway, Frankfort, IL 60423. Contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association are appreciated. Visitation, service and burial are private.

PHOTO CAPTION: Harry D’Ecole Sr., co-founder of Enrico’s Italian Dining which was a fixture in Frankfort for 38 years, died at age 89 on July 12, 2015.