Anthony Iorio, age 80, of O'Fallon, Ill., born November 26, 1927 in Marano, Italy, passed away Sunday evening, May 25, 2008 at St. Elizabeth Hospital, Belleville, Ill.

Anthony grew up in Italy among 20 brothers and sisters. He immigrated to the United States in 1947 at the young age of 19. He was a veteran of the US Army and served during the Korean Conflict. He retired as a butcher and moved to O'Fallon seven years ago. Mr. Iorio was a parishioner at St. Clare Catholic Church, deeply devoted to his Catholic faith. He was a very kind and loving father and grandfather, tirelessly giving of himself to his family. He will be remembered for his generous spirit and loving devotion to his children and grandchildren, of whom he was very proud.

He was preceded in death by his parents Luigi and Rosa, nee Venezia, Iorio; his beloved wife Rosaria, nee Gioeli, Iorio, whom he married January 7, 1956 in Brooklyn, N.Y., and passed away April 9, 1996, and several brothers and sisters.

Mr. Iorio is survived by his son, Louis Joseph (Denise) Iorio, Md., of Guilford, Connecticut; his daughter Rosemarie (Joseph) Gilroy of O'Fallon, Ill., and his very special grandchildren Anthony Robert Iorio, Steven and Kathryn Gilroy.

In honor of their father's generosity and to follow his charitable wishes, the family requests in lieu of flowers Memorial Donations may be made to EWTN Global Catholic Network, 5817 Old Leeds Road, Irondale, Alabama 35210-2164 or to a Catholic charity of one's choice.

Visitation: Friends may call from 2:00 – 3:00 pm, Tuesday, May 27, 2008 at St. Clare Catholic Church, 1411 Cross Street, O'Fallon, Ill.

Funeral: Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 3:00 pm, Tuesday, May 27, 2008 at St. Clare Catholic Church, with Rev. Jim Deiters presiding. Burial of cremated remains with military honors will take place at a later date at Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Shiloh, Ill.