Edward L. Fasano

Legendary husband, father, brother, uncle, and grandfather Edward Lonnie Fasano, 77, of Markham, Illinois, passed away peacefully on September 29th, 2025. Ed ("Papa") Fasano was many things to many people – a talented vocalist, protector, loyal caregiver, our personal superhero – and his love for his family, his food, and his music were just as large as the kind and playful heart he carried.  Born March 13th, 1948, the second of six children, Ed grew up in a vibrant Italian American family in Chicago's Wrightwood neighborhood, where homemade pizza, ravioli, and garden-grown tomato sauces were often served with a side of Bears football or "friendly" family card games. It was also as a young boy when Ed discovered Superman comics. The Man of Steel would go on to become his model and alter ego for all time. Ed graduated Bogan High School (1966) bright and eager to see the world. His adventures took flight when he joined the United States Airforce the following year, taking him to destinations around the country and across the world, including an Alaskan Air Force base and the islands of Japan. Hopping into his 1967 Ford Mustang called Esmeralda, he left the military after serving for four years. And shortly thereafter on a Chicago dance floor one fateful night, he would meet his future beloved spouse of nearly 52 years – Margaret Louise Schiltgen. The adventures continued! Ed and his wife Marge were married on October 20th, 1973, settled in Markham, IL near to her childhood home, and raised four kids (and numerous dogs, cats, and birds.) Ed worked hard. He held a career for over 20 years working nights as a telecommunications specialist for AT&T/Lucent Technologies, traveling to Italy, Spain, Guatemala, and even Saudi Arabia. He transitioned his career to Homeland Security's TSA, joining when it first formed in 2001 and retiring from it 18 years later with stories of meeting celebrities coming through the airport, such as Richard Dreyfuss, Mike Ditka, and Jon Bon Jovi. But Ed's family always came first, and whether as a boy scout troop leader, outdoors enthusiast, sports fan, or road trip aficionado, he knew how to lead everyone to fun. Stephen Sondheim once said, "If I cannot fly, let me sing." It was in the 1990's that Ed found his next true love – for barbershop singing. Introduced to it by his church choir friend Bill, Ed knew he had found his real calling. He went on to join and perform with the Knights of Harmony Men's Chorus and the Chorus of DuPage for the rest of his life. Grabbing his pitch pipe and a huge smile, Ed sang in competitions, but also for nursing homes, singing "Valentines" and even for the White Sox and the Windy City Thunderbolts.  Of all his loves, though, his deepest was for his grandkids. Whether it was taking them camping, hiking, shopping, or being coerced to ride a roller coaster, again, or moving them into their college dorm rooms, he treasured every moment with them all.  Edward was preceded in death by his parents, Rocco and Evelyn Fasano, and his sister Sheila Fasano. He is survived by his wife Margaret, his children Mary (Kamlesh), Edward (Amy), Daniel (Melissa), Megan, his grandchildren Alex, Cameron, Dawn, Joseph, Abigail, Limonee, and Vincent and his siblings Steven (Susan), Susan, Ken (Nancy), and Grace (Jean), along with several other adored nieces and nephews.  Resting at the Tews-Ryan Funeral Home, 18230 Dixie Highway, Homewood, IL 60430, Sunday, October 5, 2025 from 2:00 p.m. until time of service beginning at 5:00 p.m. Interment will be private. For further information, please contact tews-ryanfh.com or call 708-798-5300.