Lewis Avoletta — Hansen-Spear

Lewis Daniel Avoletta, age 38, of Quincy, Illinois, beloved son of Richard and Karen Avoletta, died on May 15, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.

Lewis was born on March 20, 1987, in Breese, Illinois, a son of Richard and Karen (Siddell) Avoletta.

He was a 2005 graduate of Quincy High School. Lewis attended Southern Illinois University and graduated with his bachelor’s degree from Western Illinois University with an emphasis in creative writing. Growing up, Lewis was a member of First Southern Baptist Church and later attended Central Baptist Church. At Central Baptist, he was a Boy Scout and member of the youth group.

Lewis had a very kind and gentle nature. As a child, his favorite parable from the bible was The Good Samaritan. He enjoyed acting it out in childhood and as an adult became a good Samaritan in real life to his friends and family. He volunteered in his mother’s kindergarten classroom. He took care of his Grandma Linda during her bought with cancer. He tutored a young man in English and mathematics, and provided him and his family additional support in the form of clothing and food when needed. He was a loyal friend. You could always count on him to listen without judgment and to brighten your day with a laugh.

Lewis had many passions, including comedy writing. He spent many hours with friends, some of whom were professional comedy writers, brainstorming and formulating jokes that he would post on Twitter and Facebook. One of his favorite comedy writers was Adam Reznik, author of Will Not Attend. His favorite comedian was David Letterman. He never missed a show and collaborated with another Late Show enthusiast online, sharing archival footage.

Another of Lewis’ passions was sports. As a child he played soccer in the Quinsippi Soccer League and basketball in multiple Gus Macker Tournaments and in the YMCA youth league. Lewis had an extensive knowledge of player statistics, which made him very successful at Fantasy Sports. Luckily, his favorite sporting event, the NCAA Championship aka March Madness, coincides with his birthday. Most birthdays were celebrated with pizza and brownies as he cheered on Gonzaga to victory.

One of Lewis’ gifts was his ability to curate excellent music and movies for his family and friends to enjoy. He always enhanced other people’s experience with interesting facts. His favorite movie was Magnolia, part of the Criterion Collection. Two of his favorite directors were Paul Thomas Anderson and Wes Anderson. Lewis loved attending concerts, especially those of his favorite artists, including Nine Inch Nails, Radiohead, and Beck.

Lewis was loved by his family and friends alike for his amazing wit and humor along with his kind heart and gentle spirit. He will truly be missed.

Survivors include his parents, Richard and Karen Avoletta of Quincy; a sister, Ellen (Gregory Smith) Avoletta of Tiffin, IA; and his aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Walter and Linda Siddell, and his paternal grandparents, Richard Avoletta and Josephine Clethero.

Visitation: 4:00 to 7:00 pm on Friday, May 30, 2025 and from 10:00 to 11:00 am on Saturday, May 31, 2025 at the Hansen-Spear Funeral Home.

Service: 11:00 am on Saturday, May 31, 2025 at the Hansen-Spear Funeral Home, with Pastor Tom Dickerson officiating.

Memorial donations may be made to the JWCC Foundation (in support of the English Department). Memorial donations may be made online at https://memorials.hansenspear.com/

www.hansenspear.com

Hansen-Spear Funeral Directors are in charge of the arrangements.