Peter F. Runions, Sr.

Age 72 of Wilmington, Illinois, died unexpectedly on Sunday, January 19, 2025 at Ascension St. Joseph Medical Center in Joliet, Illinois.

Born March 6, 1952 in Chicago, Illinois, Peter Francis was a son of Charles, Sr. and Agnes (McCue) Runions. He was raised in Chicago and graduated from Fanger High School with the Class of 1970. Pete enlisted in the United States Army and was proud to be a member of the 5th Airborne Special Forces Group. During his military service, he was a tunnel rat and even acted as the personal driver to General William Westmoreland.

Pete worked as a car salesman for many years at Mancari's Chrysler Jeep Dodge in Crestwood, Illinois, and in his later years he worked as process server and as a volunteer cross guard for the Reed-Custer School District in Braidwood, Illinois. He enjoyed playing in his regular APA Pool League, starting at the Wilmington VFW Post and continuing to play at several other establishments in the area. He loved working on cars and going for bike rides, either bicycles or motorcycles. Pete will be most remembered as a true family man, devoting himself to raising his kid and spoiling his grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife, Christine Runions of Wilmington, whom he married on June 1, 1995; five children: Nicholas (Annette) Runions of New Lenox, IL, Joshua Runions of Orland Park, IL, Tony Runions of Wilmington, Eric (Lisa) Runions of Coal City, IL, and Peter F. Runions, Jr. of Wilmington; three grandchildren: Dominic, Madison, and Lilly; his mother-in-law, Beatrice Blaha, and sister-in-law, Kathy Blaha, both of Oak Lawn, IL; and several nieces and nephews, including Carol Vanderploeg.

Pete was preceded in death by his parents, and his father-in-law, Henry Blaha; three siblings: Patrick Runions, Charles Runions, Jr., and Becky Best; and three nieces: Cynthia, Char, and Connie.

The family wishes to extend their most sincere appreciation to Dr. Daniele De Girolami for his years of friendship and care to Pete and his family.

The family will receive friends for a visitation at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road, in Wilmington on Friday, January 24, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. until the Celebration of Life at 7:00 p.m.

Cremation rites will be accorded following the services and Pete will be laid to rest at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, Illinois.

Family and friends are encouraged to sign the online guest book, upload photographs, and share Pete's tribute page via social media.

Funeral services and cremation arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory in Wilmington (815) 476-2181.