Obituary: Loretta V. Affinito (nee Aprilo)

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

Loretta V. Affinito

(nee Aprilo)

Loretta V. Affinito, affectionately known as “Rexie,” passed away peacefully at the age of 100 on Monday, October 26, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. Rexie was born in Crest Hill, Illinois, on November 7, 1925, the daughter of the late Edward and Mary (nee Alberico) Aprilo.

Rexie was a longtime and devoted member of St. Ann Catholic Church, where she was one of the original parishioners. Her faith was an important part of her life, and she was actively involved in the parish, including her membership in the Council of Catholic Women (CCW). Through her dedication and service, Rexie was honored as Woman of the Year, a recognition of her commitment to her church community.

Throughout her life, Rexie remained active and always enjoyed keeping busy. During WWII she worked as a welder, contributing to the war effort with skill and determination. She later became a Beauty Operator at the Boston Store in downtown Joliet, where she worked for several years before opening and operating her own Beauty Shop from her home for many years. Rexie loved spending time outdoors, especially tending to her yard—a pastime she continued to enjoy well into her later years. She also found joy in golfing and bowling, and she liked trying her luck at video poker and slot machines. A proud member of the Moose Senior Club, Rexie stayed involved in her community and made the most of each day.

Rexie lived a full and active life, and her energy, dedication to her faith, and love for her family will be remembered by all who knew her. Reaching the remarkable age of 100, Rexie leaves behind a legacy of cherished memories and a life well lived. She will be deeply missed by her loving family and all those whose lives she touched.

Rexie is survived by her daughter, Geraldine (Eugene) Williams; son, Ralph A. Affinito, Jr.; grandchildren, Nikki Williams, Stacey (Nick) Reinhart, and Chad (Angie) Williams; and her great-grandchildren, Alexis and Caden Williams.Numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive.

She is preceded by her husband, Ralph A. Affinito; her parents; and her siblings, Rose Kaluzny, Vera Olejniczak, Ann Rossi, and Dale Aprilo.

Funeral Services for Loretta V. Affinito will be held at 9:00 a.m., on Friday, October 30, 2026, at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd., Joliet, IL, to St. Carlos Acutis Catholic Church, 1705 Bury Circle Dr., Crest Hill, IL, where a mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m.Interment will follow at St. Mary Nativity Cemetery.Visitation will be held at the funeral home chapel on Thursday, October 29, 2026, from 2:00 to7:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her name to Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care.

For more information please call 815-741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.

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