Founder of a local pizza business that has been one of the most popular restaurants and night spots in Joliet for 31 years, died Friday.
Cemeno, 75, started Cemeno's Pizza Restaurant in 1976.
The restaurant opened as the first franchise location for Aurelio's Pizza and was an immediate attraction.
It did not become Cemeno's until 2002. But Cemeno and his family always put their unique imprint on the restaurant, a factor that led to the eventual split from Aurelio's.
"I've built my own product. I even have some of my mother's recipes," Cemeno told The Herald News as he discussed the decision to put the business in the family name.
The decision was one of several made by Cemeno over the years that shaped the growth of the business.
Cemeno often would express incredulity at the numbers of customers that filled his restaurant on weekends. A devout Catholic, he would describe his success as a blessing from God and give the credit to the many family members who helped run the business.
The restaurant will remain under Cemeno family ownership.
But Cemeno had both tough and soft sides, and both characteristics were key parts of the business's success, said Tom Zazzetti, general manager of the restaurant.
"Joe knew the business. He took the bull by the horns. He never let anybody step on him," Zazzetti said.
The restaurant has had three locations since it started in the Marycrest Shopping Center. Each time it moved, it doubled in size and remained full of customers.
Cemeno managed to combine change with stability in ways that kept old customers coming and made room for new business. In 1992, when he was moving the restaurant from its second location at Jefferson Street and Essington Road to the present site, Cemeno emphasized that he was keeping the Tiffany lamps that had been with him since the start.
"That's a part of us. That's part of what we are," he said.
Longtime Joliet restaurateur Earl D'Amico described Cemeno as "a beautiful person. Everybody loved him. He brought in a good, friendly place where there was always good atmosphere."
Cemeno's also developed one of the town's more popular sports bars as part of the establishment.
Mayor Arthur Schultz, who is a friend and a relation by marriage, noted Cemeno's enthusiasm for sports.
"Joe was a dear friend of the family, and he will be missed dearly," Schultz said. "He was a die-hard Cubs fan like me and also a Joliet Catholic fan."
Cemeno also was a die-hard restaurateur.
Zazzetti described a visit with Cemeno on Monday as his boss's health was failing.
"He asked me, 'How's my restaurant doing?'" Zazzetti said. "I said, 'Your restaurant's doing great. You've got nothing to worry about.'"
Visitation for Cemeno will be 2-9 p.m. at Tezak's Home to Celebrate Life, 1211 Plainfield Road, Joliet. The funeral mass will be at 10 a.m. Monday at St. John's Catholic Church in Joliet, and interment will be at St. John's Cemetery
Age 75, born into heaven on Sept. 21 with his family by his side after a lingering illness. Born in Joliet Aug. 10, 1932. Owner of Cemeno's Pizza Restaurant (formerly Aurelio's Pizza) for the past 31 years. Preceded in death by his parents Theresa (Chellino) and Joseph Cemeno and his brother-in-law Larry Pfeifer.
Joe is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Janice (Pfeifer), who cared for him selflessly for years; his loving children, Jill (Lou) Glavan, Sharon (Joel) Hicks, Sue (Danny) Schultz, Michael (Joy) Cemeno, and Natalie Cemeno. Special extra daughter, Betsy (Penton) Chung. 12 Grandchildren, Jake and Ally Glavan, Ian and Katie Hicks, Samantha and Mark Schultz, Nick, Kevin, Faith, Hannah, and Maria Cemeno, and Ben Cemeno. He is also survived by one sister, Carmella (Turk), and three brothers, Fred, Tom and Tony Cemeno; Best friend and cousin, Mike Mancuso; and special nephew, Frank Turk, part of his "Tuesday's with Sepper" group.
He leaves behind so many dear friends, too many to name.
Lifetime resident of his beloved town of Joliet. Joe grew up on the east side and attended Sacred Heart School and Joliet Catholic High School. Out of high school Joe worked at Metropolitan Life Insurance, then sold cars at Bill Jacobs Chevrolet Joliet. In 1976 he attained his dream of opening his own restaurant. Long time member of St. John the Baptist Church. Joe loved his church and was involved for many years. He was a faithful man of God who gave Him credit for all his accomplishments here on earth. His family was his pride and joy, especially his grandchildren whom he loved and mentored over the years. He also loved to be at his family restaurant to be around all of his friends, customers and employees. He was lovingly know as the "Sepper" and will be dearly missed by those who worked there.
Special thanks to all of the staff of Joliet Area Community Hospice, especially Jan, Chris, and Michelle who cared for him daily, also his special nurse Fran. Also thanks to all the "extra" family who carried us through, especially Norene and Amber Peterson and Nancy Schultz. Joe was so proud of his son's mission and ministry that Michael recently started. In lieu of flowers any donations to "Fishers of Men" would be appreciated. Tezak's Home to Celebrate Life
1211 Plainfield Rd.
Joliet, IL. 815 722-0524
www.tezakfuneralhome.com
Joseph A. Cemeno will Lie in State at St. John's Catholic Church on Monday morning from 9am until time of Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10am. Interment at St. John's Cemetery. Visitation will be at Tezak's Home to Celebrate Life on Sunday from 2-9pm, Prayer Services at 7:30pm.
Cemeno, 75, started Cemeno's Pizza Restaurant in 1976.
The restaurant opened as the first franchise location for Aurelio's Pizza and was an immediate attraction.
It did not become Cemeno's until 2002. But Cemeno and his family always put their unique imprint on the restaurant, a factor that led to the eventual split from Aurelio's.
"I've built my own product. I even have some of my mother's recipes," Cemeno told The Herald News as he discussed the decision to put the business in the family name.
The decision was one of several made by Cemeno over the years that shaped the growth of the business.
Cemeno often would express incredulity at the numbers of customers that filled his restaurant on weekends. A devout Catholic, he would describe his success as a blessing from God and give the credit to the many family members who helped run the business.
The restaurant will remain under Cemeno family ownership.
But Cemeno had both tough and soft sides, and both characteristics were key parts of the business's success, said Tom Zazzetti, general manager of the restaurant.
"Joe knew the business. He took the bull by the horns. He never let anybody step on him," Zazzetti said.
The restaurant has had three locations since it started in the Marycrest Shopping Center. Each time it moved, it doubled in size and remained full of customers.
Cemeno managed to combine change with stability in ways that kept old customers coming and made room for new business. In 1992, when he was moving the restaurant from its second location at Jefferson Street and Essington Road to the present site, Cemeno emphasized that he was keeping the Tiffany lamps that had been with him since the start.
"That's a part of us. That's part of what we are," he said.
Longtime Joliet restaurateur Earl D'Amico described Cemeno as "a beautiful person. Everybody loved him. He brought in a good, friendly place where there was always good atmosphere."
Cemeno's also developed one of the town's more popular sports bars as part of the establishment.
Mayor Arthur Schultz, who is a friend and a relation by marriage, noted Cemeno's enthusiasm for sports.
"Joe was a dear friend of the family, and he will be missed dearly," Schultz said. "He was a die-hard Cubs fan like me and also a Joliet Catholic fan."
Cemeno also was a die-hard restaurateur.
Zazzetti described a visit with Cemeno on Monday as his boss's health was failing.
"He asked me, 'How's my restaurant doing?'" Zazzetti said. "I said, 'Your restaurant's doing great. You've got nothing to worry about.'"
Visitation for Cemeno will be 2-9 p.m. at Tezak's Home to Celebrate Life, 1211 Plainfield Road, Joliet. The funeral mass will be at 10 a.m. Monday at St. John's Catholic Church in Joliet, and interment will be at St. John's Cemetery
Age 75, born into heaven on Sept. 21 with his family by his side after a lingering illness. Born in Joliet Aug. 10, 1932. Owner of Cemeno's Pizza Restaurant (formerly Aurelio's Pizza) for the past 31 years. Preceded in death by his parents Theresa (Chellino) and Joseph Cemeno and his brother-in-law Larry Pfeifer.
Joe is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Janice (Pfeifer), who cared for him selflessly for years; his loving children, Jill (Lou) Glavan, Sharon (Joel) Hicks, Sue (Danny) Schultz, Michael (Joy) Cemeno, and Natalie Cemeno. Special extra daughter, Betsy (Penton) Chung. 12 Grandchildren, Jake and Ally Glavan, Ian and Katie Hicks, Samantha and Mark Schultz, Nick, Kevin, Faith, Hannah, and Maria Cemeno, and Ben Cemeno. He is also survived by one sister, Carmella (Turk), and three brothers, Fred, Tom and Tony Cemeno; Best friend and cousin, Mike Mancuso; and special nephew, Frank Turk, part of his "Tuesday's with Sepper" group.
He leaves behind so many dear friends, too many to name.
Lifetime resident of his beloved town of Joliet. Joe grew up on the east side and attended Sacred Heart School and Joliet Catholic High School. Out of high school Joe worked at Metropolitan Life Insurance, then sold cars at Bill Jacobs Chevrolet Joliet. In 1976 he attained his dream of opening his own restaurant. Long time member of St. John the Baptist Church. Joe loved his church and was involved for many years. He was a faithful man of God who gave Him credit for all his accomplishments here on earth. His family was his pride and joy, especially his grandchildren whom he loved and mentored over the years. He also loved to be at his family restaurant to be around all of his friends, customers and employees. He was lovingly know as the "Sepper" and will be dearly missed by those who worked there.
Special thanks to all of the staff of Joliet Area Community Hospice, especially Jan, Chris, and Michelle who cared for him daily, also his special nurse Fran. Also thanks to all the "extra" family who carried us through, especially Norene and Amber Peterson and Nancy Schultz. Joe was so proud of his son's mission and ministry that Michael recently started. In lieu of flowers any donations to "Fishers of Men" would be appreciated. Tezak's Home to Celebrate Life
1211 Plainfield Rd.
Joliet, IL. 815 722-0524
www.tezakfuneralhome.com
Joseph A. Cemeno will Lie in State at St. John's Catholic Church on Monday morning from 9am until time of Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10am. Interment at St. John's Cemetery. Visitation will be at Tezak's Home to Celebrate Life on Sunday from 2-9pm, Prayer Services at 7:30pm.
Founder of a local pizza business that has been one of the most popular restaurants and night spots in Joliet for 31 years, died Friday.
Cemeno, 75, started Cemeno's Pizza Restaurant in 1976.
The restaurant opened as the first franchise location for Aurelio's Pizza and was an immediate attraction.
It did not become Cemeno's until 2002. But Cemeno and his family always put their unique imprint on the restaurant, a factor that led to the eventual split from Aurelio's.
"I've built my own product. I even have some of my mother's recipes," Cemeno told The Herald News as he discussed the decision to put the business in the family name.
The decision was one of several made by Cemeno over the years that shaped the growth of the business.
Cemeno often would express incredulity at the numbers of customers that filled his restaurant on weekends. A devout Catholic, he would describe his success as a blessing from God and give the credit to the many family members who helped run the business.
The restaurant will remain under Cemeno family ownership.
But Cemeno had both tough and soft sides, and both characteristics were key parts of the business's success, said Tom Zazzetti, general manager of the restaurant.
"Joe knew the business. He took the bull by the horns. He never let anybody step on him," Zazzetti said.
The restaurant has had three locations since it started in the Marycrest Shopping Center. Each time it moved, it doubled in size and remained full of customers.
Cemeno managed to combine change with stability in ways that kept old customers coming and made room for new business. In 1992, when he was moving the restaurant from its second location at Jefferson Street and Essington Road to the present site, Cemeno emphasized that he was keeping the Tiffany lamps that had been with him since the start.
"That's a part of us. That's part of what we are," he said.
Longtime Joliet restaurateur Earl D'Amico described Cemeno as "a beautiful person. Everybody loved him. He brought in a good, friendly place where there was always good atmosphere."
Cemeno's also developed one of the town's more popular sports bars as part of the establishment.
Mayor Arthur Schultz, who is a friend and a relation by marriage, noted Cemeno's enthusiasm for sports.
"Joe was a dear friend of the family, and he will be missed dearly," Schultz said. "He was a die-hard Cubs fan like me and also a Joliet Catholic fan."
Cemeno also was a die-hard restaurateur.
Zazzetti described a visit with Cemeno on Monday as his boss's health was failing.
"He asked me, 'How's my restaurant doing?'" Zazzetti said. "I said, 'Your restaurant's doing great. You've got nothing to worry about.'"
Visitation for Cemeno will be 2-9 p.m. at Tezak's Home to Celebrate Life, 1211 Plainfield Road, Joliet. The funeral mass will be at 10 a.m. Monday at St. John's Catholic Church in Joliet, and interment will be at St. John's Cemetery
Age 75, born into heaven on Sept. 21 with his family by his side after a lingering illness. Born in Joliet Aug. 10, 1932. Owner of Cemeno's Pizza Restaurant (formerly Aurelio's Pizza) for the past 31 years. Preceded in death by his parents Theresa (Chellino) and Joseph Cemeno and his brother-in-law Larry Pfeifer.
Joe is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Janice (Pfeifer), who cared for him selflessly for years; his loving children, Jill (Lou) Glavan, Sharon (Joel) Hicks, Sue (Danny) Schultz, Michael (Joy) Cemeno, and Natalie Cemeno. Special extra daughter, Betsy (Penton) Chung. 12 Grandchildren, Jake and Ally Glavan, Ian and Katie Hicks, Samantha and Mark Schultz, Nick, Kevin, Faith, Hannah, and Maria Cemeno, and Ben Cemeno. He is also survived by one sister, Carmella (Turk), and three brothers, Fred, Tom and Tony Cemeno; Best friend and cousin, Mike Mancuso; and special nephew, Frank Turk, part of his "Tuesday's with Sepper" group.
He leaves behind so many dear friends, too many to name.
Lifetime resident of his beloved town of Joliet. Joe grew up on the east side and attended Sacred Heart School and Joliet Catholic High School. Out of high school Joe worked at Metropolitan Life Insurance, then sold cars at Bill Jacobs Chevrolet Joliet. In 1976 he attained his dream of opening his own restaurant. Long time member of St. John the Baptist Church. Joe loved his church and was involved for many years. He was a faithful man of God who gave Him credit for all his accomplishments here on earth. His family was his pride and joy, especially his grandchildren whom he loved and mentored over the years. He also loved to be at his family restaurant to be around all of his friends, customers and employees. He was lovingly know as the "Sepper" and will be dearly missed by those who worked there.
Special thanks to all of the staff of Joliet Area Community Hospice, especially Jan, Chris, and Michelle who cared for him daily, also his special nurse Fran. Also thanks to all the "extra" family who carried us through, especially Norene and Amber Peterson and Nancy Schultz. Joe was so proud of his son's mission and ministry that Michael recently started. In lieu of flowers any donations to "Fishers of Men" would be appreciated. Tezak's Home to Celebrate Life
1211 Plainfield Rd.
Joliet, IL. 815 722-0524
www.tezakfuneralhome.com
Joseph A. Cemeno will Lie in State at St. John's Catholic Church on Monday morning from 9am until time of Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10am. Interment at St. John's Cemetery. Visitation will be at Tezak's Home to Celebrate Life on Sunday from 2-9pm, Prayer Services at 7:30pm.
Cemeno, 75, started Cemeno's Pizza Restaurant in 1976.
The restaurant opened as the first franchise location for Aurelio's Pizza and was an immediate attraction.
It did not become Cemeno's until 2002. But Cemeno and his family always put their unique imprint on the restaurant, a factor that led to the eventual split from Aurelio's.
"I've built my own product. I even have some of my mother's recipes," Cemeno told The Herald News as he discussed the decision to put the business in the family name.
The decision was one of several made by Cemeno over the years that shaped the growth of the business.
Cemeno often would express incredulity at the numbers of customers that filled his restaurant on weekends. A devout Catholic, he would describe his success as a blessing from God and give the credit to the many family members who helped run the business.
The restaurant will remain under Cemeno family ownership.
But Cemeno had both tough and soft sides, and both characteristics were key parts of the business's success, said Tom Zazzetti, general manager of the restaurant.
"Joe knew the business. He took the bull by the horns. He never let anybody step on him," Zazzetti said.
The restaurant has had three locations since it started in the Marycrest Shopping Center. Each time it moved, it doubled in size and remained full of customers.
Cemeno managed to combine change with stability in ways that kept old customers coming and made room for new business. In 1992, when he was moving the restaurant from its second location at Jefferson Street and Essington Road to the present site, Cemeno emphasized that he was keeping the Tiffany lamps that had been with him since the start.
"That's a part of us. That's part of what we are," he said.
Longtime Joliet restaurateur Earl D'Amico described Cemeno as "a beautiful person. Everybody loved him. He brought in a good, friendly place where there was always good atmosphere."
Cemeno's also developed one of the town's more popular sports bars as part of the establishment.
Mayor Arthur Schultz, who is a friend and a relation by marriage, noted Cemeno's enthusiasm for sports.
"Joe was a dear friend of the family, and he will be missed dearly," Schultz said. "He was a die-hard Cubs fan like me and also a Joliet Catholic fan."
Cemeno also was a die-hard restaurateur.
Zazzetti described a visit with Cemeno on Monday as his boss's health was failing.
"He asked me, 'How's my restaurant doing?'" Zazzetti said. "I said, 'Your restaurant's doing great. You've got nothing to worry about.'"
Visitation for Cemeno will be 2-9 p.m. at Tezak's Home to Celebrate Life, 1211 Plainfield Road, Joliet. The funeral mass will be at 10 a.m. Monday at St. John's Catholic Church in Joliet, and interment will be at St. John's Cemetery
Age 75, born into heaven on Sept. 21 with his family by his side after a lingering illness. Born in Joliet Aug. 10, 1932. Owner of Cemeno's Pizza Restaurant (formerly Aurelio's Pizza) for the past 31 years. Preceded in death by his parents Theresa (Chellino) and Joseph Cemeno and his brother-in-law Larry Pfeifer.
Joe is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Janice (Pfeifer), who cared for him selflessly for years; his loving children, Jill (Lou) Glavan, Sharon (Joel) Hicks, Sue (Danny) Schultz, Michael (Joy) Cemeno, and Natalie Cemeno. Special extra daughter, Betsy (Penton) Chung. 12 Grandchildren, Jake and Ally Glavan, Ian and Katie Hicks, Samantha and Mark Schultz, Nick, Kevin, Faith, Hannah, and Maria Cemeno, and Ben Cemeno. He is also survived by one sister, Carmella (Turk), and three brothers, Fred, Tom and Tony Cemeno; Best friend and cousin, Mike Mancuso; and special nephew, Frank Turk, part of his "Tuesday's with Sepper" group.
He leaves behind so many dear friends, too many to name.
Lifetime resident of his beloved town of Joliet. Joe grew up on the east side and attended Sacred Heart School and Joliet Catholic High School. Out of high school Joe worked at Metropolitan Life Insurance, then sold cars at Bill Jacobs Chevrolet Joliet. In 1976 he attained his dream of opening his own restaurant. Long time member of St. John the Baptist Church. Joe loved his church and was involved for many years. He was a faithful man of God who gave Him credit for all his accomplishments here on earth. His family was his pride and joy, especially his grandchildren whom he loved and mentored over the years. He also loved to be at his family restaurant to be around all of his friends, customers and employees. He was lovingly know as the "Sepper" and will be dearly missed by those who worked there.
Special thanks to all of the staff of Joliet Area Community Hospice, especially Jan, Chris, and Michelle who cared for him daily, also his special nurse Fran. Also thanks to all the "extra" family who carried us through, especially Norene and Amber Peterson and Nancy Schultz. Joe was so proud of his son's mission and ministry that Michael recently started. In lieu of flowers any donations to "Fishers of Men" would be appreciated. Tezak's Home to Celebrate Life
1211 Plainfield Rd.
Joliet, IL. 815 722-0524
www.tezakfuneralhome.com
Joseph A. Cemeno will Lie in State at St. John's Catholic Church on Monday morning from 9am until time of Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10am. Interment at St. John's Cemetery. Visitation will be at Tezak's Home to Celebrate Life on Sunday from 2-9pm, Prayer Services at 7:30pm.
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