Sirio Tonelli, internationally renowned artist, master Byzantine iconographer, passed away on June 3, 2019. He lived in both New York City, New York and Chicago, Illinois. He was born in Sarzana, Italy in 1922, and arrived in the United States in 1948 on a scholarship at the Art Institute of Chicago. Early in his career he lived in Omaha, Nebraska and worked in Catholic churches. His oil painting of Christ, featured on the front page of the Omaha World Herald on Christmas Day 1953, launched his career.

In 1954 he founded Tonelli Studios and established himself in Pietrasanta, Italy, where his work continues under the direction of his son, John Tonelli. He was awarded the Maltese Cross by the Vatican. He later moved back to Chicago and focused on the Byzantine style, in particular mosaic artwork for the Eastern Orthodox Church.

He converted to Orthodoxy and was made Archon of the Greek Orthodox Church. His mosaics, frescos, stained glass windows, and designs in marble, bronze and wood grace the interiors of over 100 churches around the United States. He was commissioned to design the Congressional Medal of Honor and was awarded an honorary doctorate degree by Georgia State University.

His passions included flying, opera and soccer. He was an accomplished pilot for over 50 years, and a patron and founding member of Chicago Lyric Opera. Recognized by U.S. Soccer Federation for his extraordinary contribution to soccer in the United States, Vice President of the Toronto Blizzards, and organizer of major international matches, including the U.S. National Team's participation in Italy's World Cup.

Sirio is survived by his son, John Tonelli, daughter-in-law Isabel, and granddaughters Sofia, Alexia, and Olivia.

A wake and memorial service will be at 6:00pm to 7:30pm on Tuesday, June 11, 2019 at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral in New York City. The funeral will be at 11am on Friday, June 14, 2019 at Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Los Angeles.

Arrangements under the direction of Chapman Funeral Homes - Terry & Mary Harmon, Funeral Directors. Toll free (855) 628-0447.

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Obituary notice for Chapman Funeral Homes. Please visit www.chapmanfuneraldirectors.com .

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