Atron Tosetti Regen, 71, of Champaign, died on April 14, 2024, in his beloved cottage home with his Westie, Madonna, by his side, following a valiant battle with cancer.
Visitation will be held at St. Louis Catholic Church in Nokomis on Friday, April 26, at 11 a.m., followed by mass at 12 p.m.
Mr. Regen was born on Nov. 16, 1952, to Yolanda Bernardini Tosetti and Elio (Nuli) Tosetti in Nokomis. He proudly attended St. Louis Catholic school and graduated from Nokomis High School in 1970, before obtaining a B.S. in interior design from the University of Illinois and a newfound love for the limitless ways he could enhance the quality of people’s lives through his passion for interior design. During his time at the University, Mr. Regen worked and lived at the Allerton House, a decision that set the stage for his successful career and created connections that lasted a lifetime.
In 1981, Mr. Regen established Atron Regen Interior based in Champaign, one of the longest standing and most experienced firms operating in central Illinois, serving clients for over 43 years. Mr. Regen served on the board of directors of the Illinois State Chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers and as a professional liason to the next generation of interior design students at the University of Illinois interior design program, teaching seminars such as “Doing A Lot With What You’ve Got” and “Structures.”
His work was recognized countless times and earned numerous awards: Baron’s Who’s Who in Interior Design Award, American Society Interior Designers 50th Anniversary Award, University of Illinois ASID Students of Interior Design Beau Arts Gala Award, American Social Interior Designers Thanks and Appreciation Award, Regional Conference American Society of Interior Design Outstanding Service Award and Illinois Chapter American Society of Interior Designers Award.
Mr. Regen added a world of dimension, color and creative spirit to more than just his work. A lifelong traveler, inspired by a childhood visit to see his big sister in New York City, his passion for global experiences and meeting new people enriched his community with a deep appreciation for culture and the arts.
Mr. Regen served as a council member for the Krannert Art Museum, a guild member for the Champaign-Urbana Symphony Orchestra, member of the Champaign County Historical Museum and the Arts Council and Champaign Rotary. His constant committment to his community was recognized many times, including the Champaign County Arts and Humanities Council Outstanding Service Award, Krannert Art Museum Council and Guild of the CU Symphony Award and Champaign County Historical Museum Honorary Recognition Award.
His friends and family remember Mr. Regen for his charming personality, infectious laugh, intense faith, acceptance, love and loyalty. A quintessential entertainer and host, he had a knack for bring others together and loved sharing light, laughter and his generous spirit. Often described as fabulous, Mr. Regen loved hot tubbing, dancing to disco music, anything Italian, bridge, his family, friends and entertaining in is home and garden sanctuary.
Mr. Regen is survived by his older sister and daily confidant Bernadine Tosetti Hines; older brother and trusted advisor Jack Tosetti; nephew Charles Leonard Hines IV (Kristen) and niece Kristen Hnes Spain (Matthew); grandnieces Riley Walker Spain, Gillian Rose Hines and Emily Jane Hines and grandnephew Matthew Whitfield Spain Jr.; and his beloved West Highland Terrier Madonna, pampered beyond measure and treasured deeply.
Memorials may be directed to St. Louis Catholic School or the Champaign-Urbana Symphony Orchestra.
Condolences may be left online at www.stiehldawsonfh.com
