David A. Vagnoni

David Anthony Vagnoni was born on July 21st, 1943, in Chicago Heights, IL, to Albert and Mary (Rosati) Vagnoni. He was the second of three children. David passed away on September 25, 2026.

David was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. He married the love of his life, Carol (Ryan) Vagnoni, on September 14th, 1984, at St. Liborius Church. Together they shared 42 years of marriage. In David’s words “A wonderful life together.”

David adored his children, Joseph (Margaret) and Natalie. He cherished his three grandchildren Abigail, Ryan and Amelia and took great pride in watching them grow.

David proudly served in the United States Navy from 1966 until 1969. After his military service, he worked at Sears for 35 years, before retiring.

David found great joy in being with his family. He and Carol built their home together, a beautiful log cabin, that became so much more than just a house. David and his loving wife, Carol, along with his amazing son Joe, built the cabin from the ground up, pouring their time, love, hard work, and hearts into every part of it. The cabin was David’s legacy- a reflection of the life he built, the people he loved, and the memories he created with his family. He continued working on and caring for it until the very day he passed.  It was a place where family gathered, memories were made, and David’s love could be felt in every corner.

A classic car enthusiast, David also built his own roadster and his own 1954 Harley Davidson motorcycle. He enjoyed building and restoring classic cars and was a proud member of the Southside Cruisers.

David loved the outdoors and enjoyed hiking, biking, fishing, water skiing, spending time at the beach and camping. He loved to dance and enjoyed music from the 1950’s. He lived his life fully and on his own terms, always finding something to build, fix, explore, or enjoy with the people he loved.

David lived his life so right that we cannot imagine him with one regret. His greatest hope was that the people he loved would live with that same spirit- with love, purpose, adventure, and no regrets.

David leaves behind his loving wife of 42 years, Carol; his children Joseph (Margaret) and Natalie; his three cherished grandchildren Abigail, Ryan, and Amelia; and his beloved sister Marge (Kurt) Mengle. He was preceded in death by his parent, Mary and Albert, and his brother, John.

David also leaves behind a lifetime of love, memories, and a legacy that will live on through his family. His greatest accomplishment was not the things he built, but the life and family he built around them.

Visitation will be on Thursday, October 1, 2026, from 4:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at the Crete Funeral Home 1182 Main St. Crete, IL. Funeral will be Friday, October 2, 2026, at St. John Evangelical Church 10701 Olcott Ave. St. John, Indiana Funeral Mass will be at 11:30 A.M. (EVERYONE WILL MEET DIRECTLY AT THE CHURCH).  Burial will take place at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at 11:00 A.M. (Burial is open to whoever wants to attend however if you are going just make sure you meet at the Cemetery kiosk by 11:00 A.M. for procession out to the committal shelter). In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the family.  Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Crete Funeral Home. 1-708-672-7600.