Raoul Bandera

Raoul Bandera, age 77, passed away on July 19, 2025.

Raoul was born in Naples, Italy, and came to the United States when he was just three years old. His life was a love story with music. Whether teaching, performing, or simply listening, music was the thread that connected everything Raoul did.

Raoul met the love of his life, Kathy, through guitar lessons. He was teaching her daughter Angel, who then encouraged Kathy to take lessons herself. The two bonded over their shared passion for music, even performing in separate bands before eventually coming together in life and in love. They were married on November 18, 1994, in Burbank, Illinois.

He was a true explorer at heart, often getting in his Bronco and heading off in any direction, not for the destination but for the joy of the journey and the people he might meet along the way.

Raoul's love of music extended into every part of his life, including his work. He thrived in the music field, finding joy in flexibility and creativity. He eventually brought his son-in-law into his electrical distribution, reflecting how deeply he valued family and shared purpose.

Outside of music, Raoul was a lover of stories and imagination. He was passionate about fantasy literature, especially The Hobbit, and was a dedicated Dungeons & Dragons player, the Monk Erlic Eastlore his main character. His adventures often included family and friends around the table, rolling dice and telling stories together. He also loved bike riding and eventually rode his bike to work daily.

He was a man who lived fully and loved deeply. He sang in the church choir and was always attuned to the beauty of sound and spirit.

Raoul is survived by his beloved wife, Kathleen; his daughters Angela (Ava) Tornincasa and Ember (Jay) Gallagher; grandchildren Jason (Lauren) Gallagher and Faith Gallagher; great-granddaughter Delilah; his brother George (Linda) Bandera; niece Gabriella Bandera; and his cherished cats, Fable and Lyric.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Maria Bandera.

Visitation will be on July 22, 2025 at Vandenberg Funeral Home 17248 Harlem Ave Tinley Park Il from 3 until 7 pm, Funeral Mass will be held at St. Stephen Deacon and Martyr Catholic Church 17500 84th Ave.,Tinley Park, IL 60477 at 09:30 AM.  Closing prayers will be at 9:00 AM at the funeral home.  

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to one of Raoul's favorite charities, NAWS (Nuzzle Angels with Scales) in Mokena.