Mr. Virdell Hackett Jr. was born on January 17, 1960 in Chicago, Illinois and entered into the arms of his lord on June 29, 2021. He was the first of five children born to the union of Virdell Sr. and Christine Hackett.

Virdell graduated from Steinmetz High School in 1978, where he excelled in R.O.T.C., football and wrestling. After high school, Virdell went to obtain an Associate degree from Wilbur Junior College. He then furthered his education and obtained a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Southern Illinois University. Not one to remain idle, Virdell completed the Surgical Technology program at Triton College, which led to his illustrious career as a Certified Surgical First Assistant. Virdell discovered that working in the operating room was his true passion and he went on to work for more than 30 years in the operating room at Lutheran General Hospital.

Virdell met and married the love of his life, Alice Anderson on September 29, 1990. This loving union was blessed with a beautiful daughter Clarixza, the apple of his eye.

Virdell's other interest included playing chess, flying his drones, learning the German language and spending time with his family.

He leaves to cherish his memory:  his wife Alice Hackett, his daughter Clarixza Hackett, his mother Christine Hackett, five siblings; Verdell Harris (Willa), Honorable Julius Hackett (Penny), Kimberly, Williams MD, Donna Joslin (Andrew), and Karen Slater (Leroy), and a host of niece and nephews. Preceding him in death was his great father Virdell Hackett Sr. He also leaves to cherish his memory his Lutheran General Hospital family and life-long friends.