Paul J. Proteau, a longtime Riverside resident and former elected official of the village, died peacefully at 91 years of age on July 1, 2022 surrounded by his family.
Mr. Proteau was born Jan. 15, 1931. He was a graduate of Fenwick High School, Loyola University and DePaul Law School.
He set a fine example of a strong work ethic, building a successful law practice in Oak Park, along with the importance of always putting family first. He had a passion for history and shared his knowledge of the law willingly with others.
He also gave generously of his time as a Riverside trustee and as a member of the Riverside Township Lions Club. Besides his family, he had a love for sailing, Lake Geneva, and Florida sunsets.
Mr. Proteau was the husband of the late Roseanne (nee Vitullo) for 38 years and the father of Paul (Mary), Susie (Rob) Burns. Later in life, he welcomed Mickey (Doug) Bell as his own. He was the grandfather of Paul Jr., Arden, Ella and Sydney; the brother of Janet (the late Frank) Bonnike; a special friend to Karen Anderson; and an uncle, brother-in-law and friend to many.
A funeral Mass was celebrated July 7 at St. Mary Church, Riverside, followed by interment at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Hillside.
The family asks that donations be made to Loyola University Medical Center in support of Dr. Jose Biller’s research in care of the Department of Neurology via loyolamedicine.org/giving/ or make checks payable to Loyola University Medical Center and mail to Loyola Medicine Office of Philanthropy, Bldg. 115, Rm. 353, 2160 S. First Ave., Maywood, 60153. For more information contact 708-216-3201 or philanthropy@luhs.org.
Arrangements were handled by the Original Kuratko Family, Brian D. Kuratko, funeral director.
