Leroy L. Ceroni, 86, of Ridott, IL entered into Glory January 30th, 2021. He was born November 21st, 1934, to John C. Ceroni and Sybel M. (Siems) Ceroni of Ridott, IL. Leroy was a father of 6 children, 13 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren. He worked as a pipe fitter / welder and has been part of local 23 United Associations for 56yrs. He resided in his home in Ridott, IL for 57 years and was a veteran of the United States Army. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and trapping throughout his life. If you were a friend of his you were a friend for life. You were always greeted with a huge smile and many laughs. He was a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Bears fan and always rooted for the local Dakota Indian Team or as he called them his "kids." He was a member of Ridott Community Church where he had many friends and enjoyed his weekly visits with his
friends and Pastor Mark Vlad. If you knew him as a father you were proud to be a "Ceroni." If you knew him as a grandchild you were always excited to share your latest adventure with him and he always cried when you spoke about his great grandchildren to him.
On his 86th Birthday last year he was asked what did this life teach you so far? His response with tears love the Lord your God with your whole heart. What was your best investment? His river property; where you could always go to see and enjoy God's creation and where for years he enjoyed his time with family and friends. What did he love most about this life? He said you kids and your mom.
Two things he said often at his house were, "when someone goes home to be with the Lord….Celebrate and cry when babies are born, because their journey has just begun" and "there is no such word as goodbye, we will always be together".
We love you and we will miss you and it's not a goodbye, we will always be together dad.
Leroy is survived by his sister Joyce Ceroni, sons Terry (Donna) Ceroni, Steve (Michelle) Ceroni, daughters Annette (Steve) Rouse, Mary Ceroni McKenzie, Lisa (Dave) Bernet, Grandchildren Anthony Ceroni, Fionna (Jadie) Thingvold, Gena(Adam) Sweet, Joshua (Colleen) Ceroni, Kayla (Zach) Haynes, Kelsey (Tim) O'Haver, Zachary (Brei) McCabe, Kevin McKenzie, Timothy (Ericka) McKenzie, Jessica (Tom) Crocker, Megan (Bill) Carter, Lisa (Brian) Grofe, Michael (Angel) Peil and 17 great grandchildren.
He is proceeded in death by his parents John Ceroni Sr., Sybel (Siems) Ceroni, brother John Ceroni Jr, wife Joan (Murray) Ceroni, daughter Laura (Ceroni) McCabe, great grandson Quin Crocker amongst many other family members.
The family wish to extend a special thank you to FHN Hospice of Freeport, IL
There will be a private service for family only.
A memorial has been established for Paralyzed Veterans, St. Jude's Children and Wounded Warriors.
If you wish to donate please send your to check to: Steve Ceroni, 7770 Ceroni Road, Cherry Valley, IL 61016