Terry L. Cerutti, Sr.

Age 72, passed away on Thursday, December 14, 2023 at home in Diamond, IL after a very brief battle with liver cancer. Born June 4, 1951 in Joliet, IL to Albert and Rita (nee Herman) Cerutti of South Wilmington, IL. Fresh out of high school, Terry enlisted in the United States Army, serving with the 101st Airborne Division, “Screaming Eagles” in Vietnam, earning the Bronze Star for bravery, among other medals. After his time in the service he married Connie Shelton on July 20, 1974 at the Braceville United Methodist Church and also began his 28 year working career as a chemical operator at Mobil Chemical and Cabot Microelectronics Corporation. He knew how difficult and dangerous it can be to serve our country. He would help any military person in any manner he was able. He was the former commander of VFW Post 5422, a place which held his heart. Terry was instrumental in running the Queen of Hearts event there. Even from his hospital bed, he gave directives for the event. He was the “King” of the Queen of Hearts. Terry also was a member of the American Legion Post 191 in Wilmington. He was blessed to be able to participate in the Honor Flight Chicago trip to Washington D.C. in 2022 on his and Connie’s 48th wedding anniversary. As many know, Terry loved the casinos and all his “free” trips and “stuff” he accumulated through his casino hobby. In his words, he always “broke even”. More than anything, Terry loved his family. They hold memories of family cruises and most recently, in December 2022, he and Connie celebrated an early 50th anniversary trip to Disney World with their kids and grandkids which left memories that will be cherished forever. He will be remembered as a big guy with an even bigger heart. Surviving are his wife of 49 years, Connie (nee Shelton) Cerutti; daughter, Buffie (Nick) Stewart of Chugiak, AK; son, Terry Cerutti, Jr. “T.C.” of Coal City; grandsons, Jacob Cerutti, Wylee Stewart and Sawyer Stewart; sister-in-law, Mary Lynn Cerutti; as well as numerous nieces, cousins and a multitude of good friends made through his involvement with the VFW and American Legion. A lover of all animals, Terry is also survived by his dogs, Sadie and Koda, as well as his stray cat he adopted, Oreo. He could not turn his back on any stray that showed up over the years whether it was a cat or even a rabbit. Preceding him in death were his parents; and brother, James Cerutti. Funeral services will be held at the R.W. Patterson Funeral Home & Crematory in Braidwood on Tuesday, December 19, 2023 at 12:00 pm with the visitation beginning at 10:00 am. Interment will immediately follow at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, IL . Memorial donations may be directed to the VFW Post 5422 Honor Guard.

Terry L. Cerutti, Sr.

June 4, 1951 - December 14, 2023

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Terry L. Cerutti, Sr.

June 4, 1951 - December 14, 2023

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Local Florists

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