Obituary: Dino Anthony Presti

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

In Loving Memory of Dino Anthony Presti

Dino Anthony Presti, 51, of Plainfield, Illinois, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, August 8, 2026. He leaves behind a legacy of joy, kindness, and unwavering devotion to the people he loved most.

Dino is survived by his beloved wife of 24 years, Kathleen “Katie” (nee Fricke) Presti, whose love, loyalty, and partnership were the center of his life. Their bond was built on laughter, strength, and a deep connection that carried them through every chapter together.

He is also survived by their son, Nicholas. Dino’s love for his boys—Anthony and Nick—was profound and enduring. Being their dad was the greatest blessing of his life, and he poured his heart into teaching them, guiding them, and creating memories that will last forever.

Dino is lovingly survived by his Aunt Kristine Walsted; his siblings, Joseph (Lorene) Presti, Christine (Bob) Bromberry, Tara Presti, and Robert Presti; his mother‑ and father‑in‑law, Frank and Dorothy Fricke; his brother‑ and sister‑in‑law, Daniel and Kelly Fricke; his cousin, Shaun (Stacey) Walsted, with whom he shared a lifelong bond. Numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins also carry his memory forward.

Born on July 25, 1975, in Chicago, Illinois, Dino grew up in Elmwood Park and graduated from Elmwood Park High School. Proud of his Sicilian roots, Dino was an extraordinary cook—he could make absolutely anything, and everything he made was delicious. Cooking was one of his greatest joys, and he passed that love on to his boys, teaching them how to cook Italian with the same heart and tradition he learned from his family.

Dino dedicated 30 years to the commercial food industry, most recently serving as a Project Manager of Engineering with Nabisco. His work ethic was unmatched—he approached every task with determination, intelligence, and a natural ability to solve even the toughest problems. His colleagues admired him not only for his skill, but for the kindness and humor he brought to every day.

Fun‑loving, caring, and endlessly generous, Dino made life brighter for everyone around him. He especially loved traveling with his family and spending time at the beach, where he found peace, happiness, and the simple joy of being together. His gentle spirit, his love for animals, and his willingness to help anyone were just a few of the qualities that made him so deeply loved.

Dino is preceded in death by his son, Anthony Joseph Presti; his father, Carmelo Presti; and his mother, Karen A. (nee Walsted) Perry.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 13, 2026, from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd., Joliet, IL. Funeral services will follow on Friday, August 14, 2026. Family and friends are invited to gather at St. Mary Immaculate Catholic Church, 15629 S. Rt. 59, Plainfield, at 10:45 a.m., where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. In accordance with his wishes, cremation rites will be accorded following services. A luncheon will follow.

For more information, please call 815‑741‑5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com to share memories or leave condolences.

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