01/13/2026
James “Jimmy” Fiello, age 67, of Ector, Texas (formerly of Chicago Heights, Illinois), passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on January 8, 2026.
Jimmy was born on September 24, 1958, to Antonio and Angeline Fiello (née Giovannantonio) in New Castle, Pennsylvania. In 1971, the family moved to Chicago Heights, Illinois. He graduated from Bloom High School and built his career in auto body repair and painting, later transitioning into maintenance work where he was able to fully embrace his love of carpentry and hands-on repair. His work reflected his strong work ethic, skill, and pride in doing things well.
From the moment Jimmy met Diane, it was always “Jimmy and Diane.” Their relationship was a true partnership and a beautiful example of what it means to love and be loved. They were married on April 16, 1983, in St. Kieran Church in Chicago Heights.
Jimmy and Diane lived in Florida for more than eleven years during their marriage. It was here they welcomed their son, Michael. He was a devoted father who took pride in teaching his son the skills he had learned throughout his life. During their time in Florida, he found joy in hosting friends and family at his home. He loved his backyard oasis; grilling, listening to Jimmy Buffett music, and swimming in his pool.
After returning to the Chicago area, Jimmy and Diane enjoyed traveling to many different states. He took pride in caring for his saltwater aquarium, maintaining its coral and diverse fish species with diligence. Additionally, he contributed as a member of "Angels on Assignment," and loved cooking for the organization's annual spaghetti dinner in Crete, Illinois.
Jimmy was preceded in death by his father, Antonio Fiello, and his father-in-law, Salvatore Mazzocca.
He is survived by his loving wife, Diane (née Mazzocca); married for 42 years; their son, Michael (Victoria) Fiello, and his two grandchildren, Michael and Aria Fiello. He is also survived by his mother, Angeline Fiello; his brother, Anthony Fiello, and his sister, Christine Unruh; his mother-in-law, Terry Mazzocca; his sisters-in-law, Gina (Patrick) Cloward, Julie (Bob) Connors, and Jennifer (Rick) Vargas; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Visitation at Panozzo Bros. Funeral Home, 540 West 14th Street, Chicago Heights, Illinois on Friday, January 23, 2026, from 4:00pm – 8:00pm. Funeral Mass to be at St. Kieran Church in Chicago Heights, Illinois at 10:00am on Saturday, January 24, 2026. Inurnment to follow at Assumption Cemetery in Glenwood, Illinois.