Joseph P. Staponaitis 73, of Freeport, IL formerly of Cicero, IL passed away on December 20, 2016 at the Lena Living Center. He was born on June 20, 1943 in Chicago, IL, the son of Charles and Mary (Zielnicki) Staponaitis. Joseph graduated from Morton East School and College and he served his country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War.

Joseph in his younger years enjoyed working at Walgreens, and claimed his title as the "Original Soda Jerk" and he was very proud of that job. Joseph worked as a refrigeration repair man at Sears in Melrose Park for 30 years. He was a loving and giving man who always saw the best in everyone he met.

He is survived by his twin sister Johanna (Jim) Leamy of Lena, and a nephew Jim Leamy of Carpentersville, IL a niece Jean Schloskey of Belvidere, IL and a nephew Jeff (Melissa) Leamy of Franklin Park, IL. He is also survived by four great nieces and two great nephews.

Joseph was preceded in death by his parents and one sister Phyllis Fiore.

Services will be Tuesday, December 27, 2016 at 11:00 am at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Lena, IL.

Visitation will be held at 10:00 am until time of service at the church.

Cremation rites were accorded and burial will take place in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Lena, IL.

Friends and family may send condolences to the family at www.leamonfh.com