Joseph "Joe" Arthur di Caro

Joe had a jovial zest for life, driven by his heart to give love unto all people whom he crossed paths. His extreme generosity, witty observational humor that made even the straightest face laugh, nurturing protective nature, and genius intellect would magnify any room he entered with a unique light only he could give. Children and animals were drawn to his comforting and non-judgmental demeanor gifting them their personal power to be their true nature in his presence.

A heart of gold. A McGuiver mind. The essence of pure joy. A man that lived hundreds of lifetimes in the 38 years he was on the planet.

A true Renaissance man of our time. A Top Level Kushi Institute Graduate gifted in the healing arts of Shiatsu and Reiki. An Illinois Life & Health agent, Genius IT professional. An original guitarist, bassist in the Orchestra, Magician, Martial Artist trained in Kuk Sool Won, Soccer Player, Trilingual, Passionate on Justice and Politics, an excellent chef, naturalist, fisherman, a self-taught man inquisitive from an early age, dedicated to finding solutions to any problem.

Joe was the kind of person you called to fix anything and everything: computers, cell phones, rebuilding ATV's, cars, relationship advice, a friend, a solution to anything! He would figure it out on the fly with great confidence and undying enthusiasm unmatched to any other person. Joe loved art, hiking, video games, and geocaching. To name just a few ways Joe gave his love to his daughter and nieces; always making every moment an opportunity to learn. He has impacted the lives of so many. Joseph di Caro is irreplaceable and will be forever remembered in our hearts.

He was born April 4, 1983 in Peoria to Lino and Susan Elaine (Schlenker) di Caro. He married Sarah Harper of Pekin, which ended later in divorce.

Surviving are one daughter, Zofia di Caro of Bloomington; his mother, Susan di Caro of Glasford; his father and stepmother, Lino di Caro and Franca Ruvio of Chicago; one brother, Nicholas di Caro of Peoria, his niece Daniella di Caro and her mother Tabby di Caro of Gurnee; one sister, Gina di Caro and niece Liana di Caro of Pekin; one half-sister, Ludovica di Caro of Chicago; one step-sister, Dorotea Cipolla of Palermo, Italy; one step-brother, Gaspare Cipolla of Palermo, Italy.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Arthur and Esther Schlenker and his paternal grandparents, Salvatore di Caro and Francesca di Simone.

His memorial service will be at 2:30 p.m. Thursday, December 16, 2021 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Pastor Shane Hawkins will officiate. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Private burial will be at Hirstein Cemetery in Morton.

"Memento Mori" - Joe di Caro

Memorial contributions to benefit his daughter may be made on Venmo @zofiadicaro or given to his mother, Susan di Caro.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com