Alberto M. Llanes

 Alberto M. Llanes, Jr. 87, passed away peacefully after a 2-month battle with pancreatic cancer Monday January 2, 2023 surrounded by his loving family. He was the devoted and beloved husband of over 60 years to Villa G. Llanes; the loving father of Jenevie (Mark Torres) Llanes, Joy Llanes, JoAnn (Darryl) Phipps, Jenny (Gary Smith) Llanes-Smith and John (Sarah) Llanes; adoring grandfather to Antonio (Denise) Navarro, Cristin (Apdiel) Torres, Bronson Torres, Rachel (Rob) Lott, Victoria Phipps, Sarah (Nick) Praetzel, Samuel Phipps, Erin (Ryan) Davis, Katherine & Lauren Llanes-Smith, Derek, Simone & Alexa Llanes; endearing Great-Grandfather to Miabella Navarro, Isaiah, Dyani, Sahel, Amadahy and Citlali Torres. Born and raised in Manila, Philippines, Alberto was the epitome of the American dream. As a Mechanical Engineer in the Philippines, he was recruited by Boeing and, together with his family, Alberto immigrated to Seattle, WA on December 1967.   In 1969, Alberto was faced with the challenge of finding another job.  He moved the family to Los Angeles, CA and worked with Lockheed for a short period of time.  Less than a year later, Alberto and his family travelled cross-country to the Midwest, where he found employment with Dr. Scholls in Chicago, IL.  With an opportunity to raise his family in the suburbs, Alberto moved the family to Aurora to work as a tool designer with Austin Western.  He then found a rewarding career at Caterpillar and retired after over 25+ years. Alberto truly defined “Jack-of-All-Trades”.  He was a master at re-purposing and repairing everyday items. “I can ‘pix’ it” was one of his famous mottos. Armed with his arsenal of power tools, collection of wrenches, pliers, and screwdrivers he designed and built his amazing kitchen, renovated various bedrooms and bathrooms and created his garden oasis that yielded amazing fruits & vegetables and beautiful perennials. His expertise extended into the kitchen where he coined the specialty “Grandpa’s tuna”, and his baklava was world-renowned!  Alberto enjoyed having a houseful of family and friends and was constantly surrounded by food, fun and laughter; thereupon, living by his second motto – “Don’t Worry, Be Happy!”  Together with his wife, they travelled around the globe and took adventures many only read in books.  Alberto was preceded in death by his parents, three siblings and trusty four-legged friend, Ranger. Heaven gained an iconic angel and we will miss his welcoming smile and warm hugs.  Rest in peace, Alberto/Dad/Grandpa - until we meet again. A special thank you to the wonderful health care providers of Advocate Health Care Hospice team.  Family will be receiving guests Friday January 13, 2023 from 4pm to 8pm at Dieterle Memorial Home 1120 S. Broadway in Montgomery. Funeral mass Saturday January 14, 2023 at 10am at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church , 701 S. Eola Road in Aurora. Burial will take place at Maryhill Catholic Cemetery in Niles, IL. For guestbook and directions visitwww.dieterlememorialhome.com. 630-897-1196