Luigi A. "Louie" Caringello

February 25, 1936 - September 8, 2019

Luigi A. “Louie” Caringello died peacefully at the age of 83 on Sunday, September 8, 2019. Louie is survived by his sister Catherine (Nicola) Tangorra; brothers Michael Caringello and Dominic (Josephine) Caringello; nieces and nephews MaryAnn (Thomas) Maurantonio, Teresa Caringello, Kathy (Ilia) Panov, Mariella (Rocco) De Cristofaro, and Filomena (Giovanni) Lettini; along with several grand nieces and nephews. He preceded in death by his parents Antonio & Maria (nee Diana) Caringella. Louie was a longtime resident of Lake Forest. He was born in Valenzano, Italy and immigrated to the United States in 1955 along with several other family members. He worked for Fiore Nursery pruning trees and tending to the other nursery plantings. He transitioned to Twin Construction, later becoming Masonry By Fernando, where he retired in 2003 after more than 40 years in the business as a cement mason and specialist in exposed aggregate. He loved his career and took great pride in his work. His masonry skills were truly works of art. He worked on numerous estates around the North Shore and Lake Geneva as well as the Botanical Gardens. Through his work, he developed a special bond with the owners who would often specifically ask for Louie. He was most proud of having the opportunity to pour the concrete and install the well-known bronze deer located on Deerpath Road in the park across from Lake Forest Library. Louie was passionate about gardening and created a stunning flower and vegetable garden that surrounded his home. His vegetable garden was enormous, and while he rarely consumed the fruits of his labor, he would instead share this bounty with his close friends by making weekly deliveries. He was lovingly known as the “garden angel”. Louie had an introverted personality, but once you got to know him, you quickly realized that he was one of the most loving, loyal, and kindhearted persons you would ever meet. Louie enjoyed spending time with his family in Illinois, but also cared deeply for his family in Italy. In addition to his family, Louie had a very special bond with his longtime and dear friends Sena Cascarano Placentino and her daughter Kim Placentino. Louie, Sena, and Kim were inseparable and shared every holiday and life event together. Louie was always a vital member of the Cascarano Christmas Tree lot that Sena started over 70 years ago and Kimberly continues to operate today. Customers would love to visit with Louie and would often allow only him to choose their perfect family tree. He also developed close friendships with many others that supported him throughout the years. He was always grateful for their generosity and held these friendships close to his heart. He was fortunate to have been loved by many and will be dearly missed. A visitation will be held on Sunday, September 15, 2019 from 2:00p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Gorton Community Center, 400 E. Illinois Road, Lake Forest. A funeral mass will be held on Monday, September 16, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. at the Church of St. Mary, 175 E. Illinois Road, Lake Forest. Interment will immediately follow at Lake Forest Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contribution may be made to the Church of St. Mary. For more information, contact Reuland and Turnbough Funeral Directors of Lake Forest, 847-234-9649 or www.rtfunerals.com.