Donald J. Carani

Donald J. Carani
Beloved husband of Carol (nee Dressel) Carani; Devoted father of the late Elizabeth (late Harry) Keil, Brian (Janet), Kevin (Sally), Paul (Lisa), and Jennifer (John) MacDonald; Loving son of the late Paul J. and Rose R. Carani; Dear brother of Richard (Joyce), James (Mary), and Robert (Kathleen); Cherished grandfather of fourteen and great-grandfather of twenty-one; Dear uncle of many nieces and nephews. Donald J. Carani, 89, passed away peacefully on Feb. 16, 2024. Born January 1, 1935, in Chicago, IL, Donald was devoted to his family. A 1952 graduate of St. Ignatius High School, Don served two years overseas in the United States Army. On his return he met the love of his life in Carol Dressel. Married Feb. 1, 1958 they recently celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary. Don was a successful small business owner, lector, thespian, pilot, and philanthropist. Don enjoyed watching old western and war movies, spending time with his family at the lake, and traveling the world. A long-time parishioner of St. Walter’s Parish, Don served in many roles supporting the parish. In his later years Don was a passionate supporter of Parkinson’s research, various medical missions, educational foundations, and organizations serving the less fortunate. A serious and stoic individual, Donald’s life was a great example of how successful one can be with hard work and determination. He will be dearly missed, but we are joyful knowing he is reunited in heaven with his dear daughter and all his friends and family who preceded him in death.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Parkinson’s Foundation at www.parkinson.org in his honor. For anyone unable to attend who would like to view the mass, it will be livestreamed from St. Walter Church Roselle on YouTube at 10 a.m. CST, Friday, February 23, 2024.