Michael ""Mike"" Joseph Lullo

This memorial is dedicated to my husband and our life together.  In loving memory of Michael “Mike” Joseph Lullo.  

My beloved husband, Michael, passed away on June 13, 2025, at the young age of 72. I held his hand in his final moments, surrounding him with love and comfort as he slipped away. His illness came swiftly, and he chose to keep his circle close, declining visitors.  Years ago, he stepped away from his immediate family for valid reasons that he held close to his heart. I always hoped that there would be healing and reconciliation on both sides before his passing.   The shock of his loss has left my mother and me adrift, in a fog, trying to mend the emptiness left by such an extraordinary soul.  

Michael leaves behind his loving wife, Mary Lyn; his mother-in-law, Geraldine; and their furbaby, Cooper, as well as close friends, neighbors, and family.  

Michael was born in the vibrant community of Evergreen Park, Illinois, in 1952. He was the son of Mary Therese Pagach and Michael Lullo Sr. He attended Reavis High School, where his leadership qualities began to shine.

After graduation, Michael made the courageous decision to enlist in the United States Navy in 1971, embracing a life dedicated to service. Serving aboard the Navy Destroyer USS Julius Furer (DEG 6), he honed his skills in teamwork and discipline, laying a foundation for his future career in public service.  

Following his honorable discharge, Michael sought to expand his knowledge and enrolled at Moraine Valley Community College, where he earned an Associate's degree in Criminal Justice. His fierce dedication to law enforcement led him to become a correctional officer at Cook County Jail, where he gained firsthand experience and insight into the complexities of the justice system.

In 1981, he joined the Elmhurst Police Department (EPD), where he devoted over twenty-five years to protecting and serving the community. At EPD, Michael embodied the essence of a public servant, rising through the ranks from patrolman to detective and then sergeant, all while continuing his education. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Lewis University in 1998, a testament to his commitment to personal and professional growth.  

Throughout his illustrious career, Michael was celebrated for his unwavering dedication, earning numerous commendations and letters of recognition for his exemplary service to public safety. Alongside his duties at EPD, he worked as a security officer at the United Center, ensuring the safety of enthusiastic fans cheering for the Chicago Bulls, and at Guaranteed Rate Field, where he secured the premises for the Chicago White Sox. A passionate sports aficionado, Michael wore his White Sox colors with pride and lovingly teased me about my allegiance to the Cubs, while denying his own allegiance to the Cubs in his youth.

 After retiring from EPD, Michael set out on a new adventure, joining West Bend Insurance in 2007 as a field investigator. For over a decade, he brought his sharp mind and keen eye for detail to every case. Our story began on August 18, 2013, over coffee at Starbucks in La Grange, and from that day forward, we were inseparable. We exchanged vows on a sun-kissed beach at the Royal Bahamian Resort in the Bahamas on July 25, 2015. Together, we sold our homes and built a new life in Palos Park, where Michael took pride in how I maintained a sparkling home, especially as I juggled a full-time career. Hosting friends and cooking side by side became cherished rituals. About a year after our wedding, we found joy in purchasing a condo in Fort Myers. We delighted in transforming it into our own haven, savoring every moment we could steal away there while balancing our busy lives.  

A few years later, Michael wanted to retire and officially become a "Snowbird." He hoped I would also leave my position as Director of Human Resources in the hospitality industry so we could fulfill this dream together. I agreed, and we eventually sold our condo in Fort Myers. We chose a new two-story townhome with a garage in the Lindsford Community, allowing us to split our time between Illinois and Florida.    

In 2023, we sold our townhome for a peaceful single-family house nestled in a quieter corner of Fort Myers. We took great joy in decorating and making it our own. Each room is filled with warmth and laughter. In that sun-drenched haven, we truly found our happy place in Florida.   Michael found deep and fulfilling joy in devoting his days to me and our playful fur baby, Cooper, whom we adopted in 2020. He took great pleasure in engaging with us in activities. Whether it was taking long walks, playing ball with Cooper, or snuggling on the couch during cozy movie nights, he always participated with joy. Michael also immersed himself in helping me care for my disabled mother. He offered guidance, support, companionship, and humor when she moved in with us. These precious days deepened our family bond and filled our lives with treasured memories. Each moment was infused with purpose and joy. Michael often told me and our friends that he was living the best chapter of his life. He wistfully shared that he wished our paths had crossed sooner, when he was young.  

Michael possessed a boundless curiosity and a relentless thirst for knowledge. He explored a myriad of subjects, often losing himself in research and reading. Initially, Michael was not a fan of social media, but he eventually created a Facebook account. He enjoyed reading posts from me and some of our friends, as well as the interesting articles they shared with him. On special occasions, such as my birthday and our wedding anniversary, Michael always wrote beautiful and heartfelt tributes to me. He also left love notes on Post-it notes around the house. On those special days, he made sure to send me gorgeous flowers. Michael was a generous and thoughtful husband. He always purchased beautiful pieces of jewelry for me, whether we were visiting islands on vacation, shopping at the mall, or even online. When my mom fell ill and could no longer live alone, he insisted she come and live with us to take care of her. I got a kick out of watching him humor my mom. 

Michael loved watching Chicago Bulls and White Sox games, engaging in spirited debates with fellow fans. An avid runner, he participated in several marathons and shared the joy of fitness by taking long walks and working out together. After Cooper joined our family, we enjoyed taking him on long walks, often placing him in a stroller when he tired.  

In the kitchen, we created culinary masterpieces together, especially Italian dishes that filled our home with warmth and aroma. Michael taught me how to cook fish, and I taught him authentic Italian dishes.  He had a charming tendency to sneak cookies fresh from the oven while I was baking them.  Music from the sixties held a special place in his heart, igniting joy every time he attended the Happy Together Tour, creating unforgettable memories with me and our friends.  He loved going on vacations and regular date nights with me to our favorite restaurants, as well as trying new venues.  

Michael's legacy of love, service, generosity, and commitment will forever resonate in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him, inspiring future generations to carry forward his spirit of dedication and kindness.  We invite all those who cherished Michael to honor his memory by making a donation to the Gary Sinise Foundation. This foundation reflects his values and his unwavering commitment to serving others, and your contributions would be a meaningful way to honor the loving legacy he leaves behind.