Dario Francescatti

Darius S. Francescatti, MD, JD, FACS, passed away peacefully at his home on March 4, 2026, surrounded by his family.

Dario was born in 1940 on the north side of Chicago. He served his country in the United States Air Force from 1959-1965. He was married to his wife, Janet, for 53 years. Together they raised six children.

Dario earned his Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Medicine degrees from Loyola University Chicago, and his Juris Doctor degree from DePaul University College of Law.

A respected surgeon, Dario spent his career as a general surgeon at Resurrection Medical Center before specializing in breast cancer surgery at Rush University Medical Center until his retirement in 2020. He touched thousands of lives over the course of his career through the many patients for which he cared. After he retired from surgical practice, he continued to work consulting for multiple medical companies to advance research in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.

“Nonno,” as he was known to his grandchildren, shared his love of trains with Adam and Leo. He was an avid builder of model ships, a passionate reader, and a lifelong learner of science, languages (including French and Italian), and history, particularly ancient and Western civilization. He loved vacationing at the family cabin in Minocqua, Wisconsin, where he spent many hours on the lake fishing for muskie. In his later years, he cherished time in the basement playing pool with loved ones.

Dario is survived by his loving wife, Janet (née Gadomski); his six children, Oliver (Debra), Rebecca, Ryan, Barrett, Amanda (Dan), and Julia; and his two grandchildren, Adam and Leonardo.

He was preceded in death by parents Severino and Ambrosina (née Anesi) Francescatti.

Visitation for Dario will be held on Sunday, March 8, 2026, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Davenport Family Funeral Home, 149 W. Main Street, Barrington, IL 60010.

A second visitation will be held on Monday, March 9, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to time of Memorial Mass 10:30 a.m. all at St Anne Catholic Church, 120 Ela Street, Barrington, IL 60010.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network