Vincent Louis Slomian, 85, of Mendota died peacefully at home March 14, 2018.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. March 24, 2018 in Holy Cross Church, Mendota with Rev. Peter Pilon officiating. Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery with military rites by Mendota VFW Post 4079. Visitation will be from 2-7 p.m. March 23, 2018 in Holy Cross Church. Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota is handling arrangements.

Vince was born November 30, 1932, in Spring Valley to Vincent and Johanna (Audi) Slomian. He married Ruth Loebach on Jan. 3, 1953 in St. Mary's Church, Peru.

Vince was a 1950 graduate of Hall High School. He served as a sergeant in the U.S. Army in the Korean War from Feb. 26, 1953, to Feb. 25, 1955. Vince was a printer his whole career, at Wayside Press in Mendota for 35 years, then at St. Bede Abbey Press and at Best Impressions.

Vince felt strongly about his faith and was ordained a permanent Deacon of the Peoria Diocese Nov. 18, 1979. In addition to serving as a deacon for 39 years at Holy Cross Church, he was also Spiritual Director for Teens Encounter Christ (TEC). He was always "planting seeds," encouraging others to grow in their faith. He was also involved in the Illinois Valley Cursillo Program for 30 years. He was a member of the Rotary, the American Legion, the Knights of Columbus, and an antique car club. Vince enjoyed the outdoors, fishing and hunting as often as he could.

He is survived by three daughters, Teresa (Don) Sabatini of Punta Gorda, Fla., Cheryl Slomian of Bakersfield, Calif., and Kathy (Paul) Giacobazzi of Peru; and one sister, Phyllis (Tom) Lasier of Fort Meyers, Fla. He was a loving grandfather to Amanda and Antonio Sabatini, Gabriella Slomian, and Dominic, Mario, and Angelo Giacobazzi.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Ruthie in 2014 and a granddaughter Gina.

In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to Holy Cross School, Mendota, St. Bede Academy, Peru or the TEC Program of Peterstown.

In celebration of Vince's life, please wear his favorite color, red, as a symbol of his love and service to God and so many.