Victor J. DiForti
Victor J. DiForti, age 52, of Brookfield lost his 2 year battle with cancer on February 19th. He was the beloved husband of Heather (nee Field); loving father of Hadley ‘Dragon’, Sophie ‘Bat’, Amanda ‘Noku’, & Victor ‘Little Man’; fond son-in-law of Oliver & Joyce Field; dear brother-in-law of Antoinette Martinez; cherished uncle of Oliver Martinez; pre-deceased by loving mother, Cheryl DiForti & grandparents, Victor & Dorothy Binder.Victor lived life out loud and approached everything he did with the philosophy of “more is always better”. As we celebrate his life, we ask that you come as you are, no need to dress up and the more colorful the better. Visitation will be 3 to 9 p.m. on Sunday, February 23 at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 1025 W. 55 th St., Countryside. Friends & family will gather at St. Cletus Parish, 600 W. 55 th St., LaGrange for 11:30 a.m. Mass on Monday, February 24. Interment Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Hillside. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the DiForti Trust are appreciated. Funeral Info: (708) 352-6500
Dear DiForti Family,
We are so sad to hear of Vic’s death. We met Vic when he was a vibrant teenager, he was at home in our home, and his presence always lit up the atmosphere. Vic was not only fun, he was always available to help. We could call on Vic to do the “heavy lifting” – literally moving furniture or any tough chores, We loved Vic and always remember him.
❤️ The Kenney Family
Heather I am so sorry for your loss. My heart aches for you and your kids as I know first hand how hard this journey is. I pray peace and love and the support of family and friends surrounds you during this time.
Heather and family,
We are so sorry and sad to hear of Vic’s death. As you know, he and our son Dan have had an amazing friendship for decades, and he’ll be missed by all our family. The love, respect, and fun times they shared will always be remembered. We regret that we couldn’t make the trip up from Alabama to express our sympathy in person, but it is surely with all of his beautiful family. Our thoughts, love and prayers are with you. Diane and Dennis Flaherty
I am so sorry for your loss. Your entire family is in my thoughts and prayers
Michele (Missy) Wessel
We are so sorry for your loss. Vic had a dynamic personality and always had a smile on his face. He was an amazing person and we are saddened by the news. Please reach out if we can offer support.
Our sincerest condolences,
The Scianna Family
Since learning of his passing yesterday, the memories of years past seep into my consciousness.
When I moved to Western Springs from Kentucky in the Summer before Fourth grade, I happened to be an outsider. Though I certainly made friends in 4th through 6th grade at Laidlaw, it remained difficult to be “one of the gang” in a single class of about 30 students. However, when I entered McClure, I came to join a group of friends who quite literally changed my life. If I remember correctly, through both 7th and 8th grades, the group of us remained tight. We did so many things together. Vic – always a presence that pleasantly filled a room – happened to be a large part of this.
I want to see if my mom still has photographs of my sleepover birthday party between 7th and 8th grade. As my mind wanders back to 1981, it brushes off the dust of memories. Vic was always a good friend. He was there for anyone.
I remember when I considered playing football (this is as we entered LT and following my transformation from Mr. Slow to Dr. Slow after breaking my leg), he cautioned against it. In hindsight, I would not have been a good football player. With all of what we have learned about football injuries, I credit Vic for keeping me headed in the right direction and away from potential injuries (which most certainly would have occurred).
As with many of our friends, high school leads to new cliques. College more so. Life and intervening years take us further apart. Though I saw him at reunions, still such a great presence in the room – I see his smile, his welcoming approach, his enveloping nature, the way he stood so straight and tall – those moments were too few.
With my own medical issues over the last decade, I am grateful to be here. I am lucky to be here. I wish Vic was still here.
With my luck comes the obligation to pay it forward and, while I do remain here, to help those of my friends and their families in any way possible.
So, if anyone knows anything I can do for Vic’s family, let me know.
In the interim, they should know – his children should know – that, to me, Vic happened to be one of those friends that time never forgets, never allows his friends – past or present – to forget. In junior high, he was an integral part of making me feel that I “belonged”. And, this sense of belonging, fed my self confidence in years to come.
I will never forget you, Vic, my friend. Quite the contrary, I will cherish the limited time I had with you. Thanks for being you, Heaven just became a more beautiful place, and we are all the better for having known you.
I am so sorry for your loss. Vic was a good guy. He always had a smile.
God bless Vic and his family. Flight of Angels carry him to peace.
So very sorry for your loss. Vic’s humor, smile, and quick wit made for some super fun times back at LT. May he now rest in peace, and may your family find comfort in the love you shared.
It’s becoming almost frightening at how many of my LTHS classmates I have lost. I didn’t ever expect to lose my old friends this young. Vic and I shared a high school friendship that revolved around our enjoyment of sports. He was always happy, loud, had a smile for you and he didn’t know what it meant to be mean. The world lost a good guy on this day. My thoughts and prayers are with his family that I never knew.
Dear Heather & family,
We were so very sorry to hear about Vic’s passing. Having gone through this a year ago I feel your pain. It’s a tough road ahead but your family and friends will be your village and get you and your kids through it. Lean on everyone for strength and comfort. If I can help in any way please let me know.
Love and blessings,
Janet & Chloe DeLorenzo
Victor was a happy, smiling, loving husband and father. The world is better to have shared in his joy and love for life and people.
The Zykans of LaGrange are crushed to hear of Vic’s passing.. May he rest in peace.