Lois Gentile DoCurro (nee Gentile) 92 years old, long-time resident of Park Ridge, IL. Born May 30, 1924 - at rest November 25, 2016. Loving daughter of the late Carmen and Rose Gentile; beloved mother of Rosanne (Francis X.) Mastroianni and Mary Berns; devoted grandmother of Mark Anthony Mastroianni. Lois attended St. Peter Canisius grammar school in Chicago's Austin District, graduated from Notre Dame High School for Girls and received her Music Education degree from Roosevelt University in Chicago. She made her operatic debut in the Arena of Verona, in Italy under her opera coaches Rosa Raisa and Giacomo Rimini. Upon her return stateside, she frequently guest-starred on Artist Showcase on WGN-TV, hosted her own radio program on WCFL called "Songs from the Heart", sang summer concerts at Grant Park, Butler Bowl, Friendship Gardens and the famed Civic Opera House in Chicago. She continued her singing career traveling throughout the United States. She met John DoCurro, they married and had two children, Mary and Rosanne. They later formed a singing trio called The Continentals which met with great success in the club field and hotels such as The Drake Hotel, College Inn, Edgewater Beach, The Conrad Hilton and the famed Empire Room at the Palmer House of Chicago. Upon her retirement she and John joined Ridgemoor Country Club and were playing members there for 30 plus years. Visitation at Cooney Funeral Home, 625 Busse Hwy., Park Ridge on Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. Funeral Saturday at 9:30 a.m. to St. Paul of the Cross Church. Mass at 10:00 a.m. Interment All Saints Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to Rainbow Hospice & Palliative Care, 1550 Bishop Ct., Mt. Prospect 60056 in Lois DoCurro's name would be appreciated. For info (847) 685-1002 - www.cooneyfuneralhome.com.
Published in a Chicago Tribune Media Group Publication from Nov. 29 to Nov. 30, 2016