Elvio Ulcigrai, of Trieste, Italy, Chicago, Orland Park, and most recently Western Springs, Illinois, was called to his eternal rest in the arms of Christ on February 18, 2024 at the age of 80. Beloved husband of the late Gail Ulcigrai for a wonderful 56 years; loving father of Marisa (Michael) Yates, Alan (Diane) Ulcigrai, Richard (Kimberly) Ulcigrai, Robert (Leesa) Ulcigrai, and the late Tammy Ulcigrai; proud grandfather of Amanda (Daniel) Clarke, Jackson, Ella, and Olivia Yates, Alan Jr., Anabelle, Lorenzo, and Lia Ulcigrai, Gianna and Tyler Ulcigrai, Tony Ulcigrai, Isabella Muzquiz, Jeremy, and Dominic Ulcigrai; proud great-grandfather of Luca Elvio Clarke; dearest son, uncle, godfather, cousin, and friend of many. Elvio was preceded in death by his parents, Lucia and Egidio Ulcigrai.

Elvio came to the United States from Trieste, Italy at the age of 14 overcoming many obstacles. He met his wife, Gail, shortly after, and they dated until he was drafted to serve in Vietnam. Upon his discharge in 1967, he returned home and he and Gail got married. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather above all else. He loved to take care of his wife, children, and grandchildren and be with his family. He cherished being a grandfather to his 14 grandchildren and his great-grandson as they were the light of his life. Elvio was the patriarch of the entire family. Being an only child, his proudest accomplishment was the family he created with Gail, their 5 children, 14 grandchildren, and great grandson. He often remarked, fondly, how all of this was created from his and Gail’s love, and how great of a life he had with her in this country.

Elvio had a long career as a Chicago police officer, taking great pride in his job keeping the city safe and working with many great friends. Elvio also loved to vacation with his family and friends, garden and grow tomatoes in his backyard, read, watch the White Sox, Blackhawks, and the Bears, dance, and above all else, have dinner and coffee with the people he loved. He embraced friends, welcomed them into his home, and made them feel like family.

Elvio was the best role model for his family, always demonstrating what a good husband and strong father is, and teaching us that family is most important above all else. Elvio will be missed dearly, but he will be with us forever and his spirit will live on in each of us.

We welcome all who knew and loved Elvio to attend his visitation on Friday, February 23, 2024 from 5:00pm to 9:00pm at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 1025 W. 55th Street, Countryside, Illinois. Funeral Mass and prayers to follow on Saturday, February 24, 2024 beginning at 10:15am from Hallowell & James Funeral Home to St. John of the Cross Church, 5005 Wolf Road, Western Springs, Illinois, for 11:00am Mass. Procession from Church to final resting place at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, 1400 S Wolf Road, Hillside, Illinois.

A livestream and video playback of the Funeral Mass will be available at stjohnofthecross.org.  There is a green livestream box within the right side of the image that will take you to Facebook, where a post will appear at the time of the Funeral Mass to view it live. Additionally, the Funeral Mass will be available to be viewed at a later time by accessing the video link at that Facebook page.

Funeral information: (708) 352-6500