Obituary: Frank J. Bati

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

Frank J. Bati

Frank James Bati, age 85, of Joliet, passed away Friday, July 25, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Born March 13, 1940, in Mykonos, Greece, he was the son of the late Dimitri and Marsoula (Koukas) Bati.

At the young age of eight, Frank became a lifelong resident of Joliet, IL. He was a graduate of Joliet Central High School, Class of 1959, where he met the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Jackie. Their love developed into a marriage lasting throughout the following 63 years.

At an early age, he became a member of the George Warden Buck Boys Club of Joliet. This experience led him to his passion for guiding younger youths, later becoming an employee of the Boys and Girls Club of Joliet, where he served with dedication for over 52 years until his retirement.

Frank was very passionate about his faith and devoted his life to the Lord. He was a lifelong member of All Saints Greek Orthodox Church, Joliet, where he started as an Altar Boy, and later becoming a member of the Mykonos Society. He never missed a Sunday, and if he did, there had to be a very good reason. He loved taking part in the Greek picnics and would always be found at the grill preparing shish kabobs and other meats.

Most people knew him from all the local softball fields where he played for multiple teams. He enjoyed softball so much that he continued playing throughout his life for over 58 years, finishing out with the Senior travel ball league. He was also passionate about playing basketball, and organized a group that met weekly to play for fun. Frank was also an avid Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bulls fan.

He loved traveling to anywhere the road would take him and Jackie, but most loved to travel back to Mykonos, from where his family’s heritage originated.

Frank will always be remembered for his deep dedication to raising and providing for his family, and as a loving brother-in-law, uncle, and cousin to many, including his family in his homeland of Greece.

Frank is survived and will forever be lovingly remembered by his wife, Jacqueline (Maldonado) Bati; his daughter, Margaret (Chuck) Roesel; his son, James Bati; his grandchildren, Max Bati, Alex Bati, and Marissa Bati; and a special cousin, Panagiotis Zouganelis.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dimitri and Marsoula; and his brother, John Bati.

The family would like to extend a very special thank you to all their family and friends for their loving support, and also the ICU staff at St. Joseph Medical Center.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name to the All Saints Greek Orthodox Church Building Fund would be appreciated.

Visitation for Frank Bati will be held Friday, August 1, 2025, from 9:30 a.m., until the time of funeral services at 10:30 a.m., at All Saints Greek Orthodox Church, 102 N. Broadway Street, Joliet. Interment will follow in Woodlawn Memorial Park.

Fred C. Dames Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com

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