Sunday, July 7th, 1957 – Friday, September 12th, 2025
Joseph Richard Polentini, Jr., age 68 of Kenosha, passed away peacefully, Friday, September 12, 2025, at Froedtert Pleasant Prairie Hospital, surrounded by his family.
Born in Kenosha on July 7, 1957, he was the son of the late Joseph and Dolores (Santelli) Polentini Sr. He met the love of his life, Genevieve “Jenny” Pritchard, when they were only 14 years old. At the age of 21, they were married at St. Mary Catholic Church on April 21, 1979. “Who wouldn’t want to marry a man who loved to bake and cook?”
Together, they bought Polentini’s Bakery in 1979, partnered with his parents, and worked side by side for 35 years. In their many years together, they had two beautiful daughters, Amy and Jillian. Joseph and Jenny loved to fish and boat, and spend quality family time, especially with the grandchildren. Joseph loved his toy trains that he collected throughout his lifetime.
He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Jenny; children, Amy (Joshua) Polentini-Jabs and Jillian (James) Durham; four grandchildren, Joseph, Nicholas, Anthony, and Brittany; siblings, Mary (Dan) Kober, Linda (Ron Biggs) Patrick, Nancy Patrick, Lisa (Frank) DeAngelis, Jackie (Jack), Judy, Billy (Sally), and Mary; and many other nieces, nephew, other family, and friends.
Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his siblings, Yvonne and Ben.
Visitation will be held on Friday, September 19th, 2025, at Proko Funeral Home from 4:00 p.m. until the time of service at 6:00 p.m.
