Obituaries Feb. 3, 2022
RONALD ADINT
Ronald Adint, age 78, passed away December 17, 2021.
Beloved husband of Cynthia, (nee Zalba) Adint; loving Father of Devin (Cynthia) Adint; dear grandfather of Rayna Adint, Nolan R. Adint, Micah D. Adint, and Kendra N. Adint; dearest brother of Nadia Adint, the late Victor Adint, and the late Leonard Adint. Cherished cousin and uncle to many.
Visitation was held December 22, 2021, to the time of the funeral service at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Interment, Bethania Cemetery, Justice, Illinois. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com
ZOFIA BEDNARA
Zofia Bednara (nee Paduch); beloved wife of the late Stanislaw Bednara; loving mother of Adam and Carl Bednara; dearest grandmother of Andrzej Bednara, Ewunia Bednara, Rysiu (Sara) Bednara and Monika Bednara (Michael Ahrens), Karolinka Bednara; dear great grandmother of Rosie, Sabrina, Halie and Ayla; fond sister of Anna Zak.
Visitation and Funeral were held January 24 at Zarzycki Manor Chapels, LTD, 8999 S. Archer Ave., Willow Springs. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. 708-839-8999 or www.ZarzyckiManorChapels.com.
ELIZABETH ANN CHICOLA
Elizabeth Ann Chicola (nee Bitunjac), age 73, passed away January 8.
Beloved wife of Joseph Paul Chicola; dearest mother of April (Tom) Zolecki and Joey Chicola; cherished daughter of the late Bernice (nee Jaszczak) and the late Jacob Bitunjac; loving sister of Robert (Janet) Bitunjac, the late Barbara (the late Leonard) Plachta and Leona (the late Phil) Knafl. Affectionately known as Aunt Liz and Auntie Bee to many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews. Also survived by in-laws, relatives and many friends. Member of the Justice Seniors Club.
Visitation was held January 13 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held January 14, service and time of remembrance were held at the funeral home. Cremation rites to be accorded. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to St. Jude’s. Thank you.
JOSEPH T. LAKATOS
Joseph “Tom” Thomas Lakatos, age 96, of Justice, passed away January 21. WWII Navy/Coast Guard Veteran.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Frances G. Lakatos, his brother, David Lakatos, his sister, Anna Vohar, his parents, Mary Margaret and Michael Lakatos, his parents in law, Matthew and Marianna Dziatkowicz, two nephews, Andrew Kasper and Michael Diaziatokwicz, and many brothers and sisters-in-law. He is survived by his daughter, Tina, grandchildren, Tom and Andrea, sister-in-law, Jackie Lakatos, his nieces and nephews, Lisa Lakatos (Colin) Moffat, Lisa’s dtr: Mikhaila Lakatos, Nick Lakatos, Jeffrey Lakatos and his children, Alex, Zachary and Mason Lakatos. Leslie Lakatos Rupas (Zac). Robert Hurtuk and his children, Jennifer, Megan, Sara, Amy, Emily and their children. Jan Gergitz, Gregory and Christine Hurtuk and their children, Michael and Steven Hurtuk. Stanley Kasper, and (deceased: Andrew’s wife) Lorelei Kasper and their dtrs, Jessica, Kelly Ann and Amberly Kasper. The following nieces, nephews of Tom’s brother in law: Michael (Nikki), Richard, George (Sherree), Mark (Cathy), William (Prudence) Dziatkowicz; her three daughters, Peggy Thomaselli (Bob), Maureen Kerr (Doug), and Celeste Dziatkowicz; thirteen grandnieces and nephews , Josh (Kathryn) Thomaselli, Heather (John) Baker, Michael Dziatkowicz, Melorie Butto, Brent and Doug Kerr, Samantha (Bill) Hamilton, Dylanna (Joe) Sadler, Victoria and Aidan Dziatkowicz, Alexis (Joey) Littleton, Makenna (fiancé Cameron Rauch) Dziatkowicz, and William Dziatkowicz; five great-grandnieces and nephews, Ryder Thomaselli, Hannah and Hadley Baker, Jacob and Nevaeh Butto. The Bzdyk, family Janin, Beata, Deniel, Claudia, Diana, Derek, Joey, Ela and Oliver,. The Kois family, Josie, John, Anna, Margaret, Rick and their children. Ted and Mary Kois. Stella and Walter Kielbasa and their children and grandchildren. Tom also was treated very kindly by an extended family member of the Bzdyk family, Sandy. There are so many people who are so special and for anyone not named, sincere apologies, but know that each and every one of you, family and friends were highly valued and loved, and will continue to be cherished by our family.
ROBERT J. NEGOSKI
Robert J. “Fireman Bob” Negoski, age 78, of Oak Park formerly, of Chicago. Vietnam Army Veteran.
Beloved husband of the late Betty Negoski (nee Hawks); fond father of Jeanette Negoski; step father of Peggy (Vince DiCola) Hugelier, Michael (Jackie) Hugelier, Tracy (Alex) Garcia and John (Tina) Hohmann; step grandfather of Krystal (Kyle) Piotrowski, Gina Hugelier, Anthony Hugelier, Gabi (Chris Diaz) Hohmann, Alyssa (Gunner) Carlson, Rachele Garcia, Jessie Garcia, Michael Hugelier Jr. and Cody Garcia; step great grandfather of Lyle Carlson, Brantley Carlson, Aubrey and Gianna Piotrowski; brother of Judith (Ben) Shafer, Rich (Debra) Negoski, Diane (the late John) Murphy; uncle to many nieces and nephews; friend to all.
Visitation was held January 23 and January 24 at Hitzeman Funeral Home, Ltd., 9445 W. 31st Street, Brookfield. Funeral to St. Louise de Marillac Church, LaGrange Park for Mass. Interment Resurrection Cemetery.
Retired Chicago Firefighter with 50 years of services; Truck 30 & Engine 28. Member of Chicago Firefighter’s Union Local 2. Co., Chairman of CFFU Burn Foundation along with being rewarded the John A Moncrief Award for Individual continuing service in the burn community. Member of the Union Local 2 Retirement Committee and the Chicago Gaelic Fire Brigade, along with helping many since the days of the ‘Brotherhood of the Barrel’.
In Lieu of flowers Memorial appreciated to: American Cancer Society 1 E. Wacker Drive Suite 1500 Chicago, IL 60601. Information 708-485-2000 or www.HitzemanFuneral.com. If you wish to send a sympathy card to the family, please feel free to send it to Hitzeman Funeral Home, 9445 West 31st Street, Brookfield, IL 60513, c/o Robert Negoski Family. We will gladly forward it on to the family.
JAYE L. PARDO
Jaye L. Pardo, age 73, of Palos Heights, passed away January 21.
Beloved wife of the late Daniel Pardo; loving mother of Christopher Pardo and Jonathan (Jill) Pardo; cherished grandmother of David Pardo and Mia Rose Pardo. Jaye will be missed by her cousins, Kristin Paoletti and Lorraine Arena-Simmons and their families.
Visitation was held January 28 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave. (55th street just west of Harlem). Visitation on January 29 at the funeral home until celebration of life service. Procession from the funeral home to Mt. Carmel Cemetery where Jaye was buried next to her husband. Condolences may be sent to Jaye’s family on her personal tribute website at www.foranfuneralhome.com.
VALENTINE REJLICH
Valentine Rejlich, age 89, passed away December 16, 2021. U.S. Army Veteran.
Beloved husband of Christine (nee Szponer) Rejlich; cherished son of the late Emilia and the late Jozef Rejlich; dear brother of the late Mieczyslaw (the late Maria) Rejlich. Also survived by relatives and friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Siostry Benedyktynki Misjonarki Dom Dziecka p.w. św. Antoniego in Kenya, Africa, are much appreciated. Visitation was held December 21, 2021, at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held December 22, 2021, prayers and procession from the funeral home to Our Lady Mother of the Church Polish Mission, 116 Hilton Street, Willow Springs for Mass. Interment, Resurrection Cemetery, Justice. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.
JAN SZLEMBARSKI
Jan Szlembarski, age 92, passed away December 20, 2021.
Beloved husband of Maria (nee Budz) Szlembarska; loving father of Andrzej (Bozenka) Szlembarski, Eugeniusz (Zuzanna) Szlembarski, Stefan Szlembarski, Stanislaw (Elzbieta) Szlembarski, Kazimierz (Monika) Szlembarski, Jan (Lucyna) Szlembarski, Marek (Ewa) Szlembarski and Adam (Katarzyna) Szlembarski; dear grandfather Magda (Tibo), Timoteusz (Nicole), Stefan (Rachael), Kasia, Asia, Ania, Sarah, Marysia, Alicja, Michael, Oscar, Liliana and Zosia; dearest great-grandfather of Alice; cherished son of the late Rozalia (nee Chmielak) and the late Andrzej Szlembarski; fond brother of Leona, the late Wladyslaw, the late Stanislaw, the late Ludwika, the late Ludwik, the late Franciszek and the late Maria. Also survived by nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Visitation was held December 22, 2021, at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held December 23, 2021, prayers and procession from the funeral home to Sacred Heart Church, 8245 W. 111th Street, Palos Hills, for Mass. Interment, Resurrection Cemetery, Justice. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.
DOUGLAS J. TIMMONS
Douglas J. Timmons beloved son of Jill (nee Polich) and Jonathan Ingolia; loving brother of Taylor (John) Knott, Madilyn Ingolia, Lily Ingolia and Henry Ingolia; dearest uncle of Sawyer, Scarlett and Simon; dear grandson of John and Mary Polich and Beverly (late Charles) Ingolia; dearly loved by his many aunts, uncles and cousins.
Visitation was held January 24 at Zarzycki Manor Chapels, 8999 S. Archer Ave., Willow Springs with closing prayers to follow. Funeral Mass at St. Patricia. 708-839-8999 or www.ZarzyckiManorChapels.com.
Local News
Justice swears in new police officer
Spread the loveBy Carol McGowan The Justice Village Board approved the recommendation of the Justice Fire and Police Commission to hire Police Officer Kady Sassenger at its January 10 meeting. Her move from the Coal City Police Department to Justice is considered a lateral move, which means the officer transfers from one department to another…
Medeisis promoted to fire battalion chief in Bridgeview
Spread the loveBy Steve Metsch The Bridgeview Fire Department has a new battalion chief. Michael Medeisis, 55, was promoted from the rank of lieutenant at the Jan. 5 meeting of the Bridgeview Village Board. “Hey, hot diggity dog, we’ve got a great guy (promoted),” village Trustee Michael Pticek said. Trustee James Cecott said the promotion…
Retired village employee appointed to Lyons ZBA
Spread the loveBy Steve Metsch The Karasek family has a long history of working for the village of Lyons dating back decades. And that history is getting a new chapter. Steven Karasek, 60, who two years ago retired after 36 years in the public works department, has been appointed by Mayor Christopher Getty to serve…
Walker teacher Eva Manzke honored by farm bureau
Spread the loveBy Carol McGowan School District 104 teacher Eva Manzke was recently honored by the Cook County Farm Bureau for her work with teaching students about agriculture. Students at Walker Elementary in Bedford Park, and Manzke herself were surprised when Principal Amanda Venegonia said they were gathered to honor Manzke, as she had been…
Moraine Valley’s Tom Diaz earns All-Conference honors
Spread the loveBy Carol McGowan Tom Diaz is a freshman at Moraine Valley Community College, and is making big strides with their cross country team. Diaz is also a 2021 graduate of Argo Community High School, and is the first Argonaut to earn All Region honors while pursuing his cross country career. MVCC’s Men’s an&…
Summit native marks decade with the Harlem Globetrotters
Spread the loveBy Carol McGowan Saul White Jr., better known as Flip White to basketball fans, has been with the famed Harlem Globetrotters for just over 10 years, and has no intention of stopping the entertainment he provides for his fans. White, who grew up in Summit, attended Wharton School and Graves Junior High (now…
A heavenly sound
Spread the love In what is arguably the most ornate and beautiful house of worship on the Southwest Side—St. Joseph Church in Back of the Yards–the Polonijna Orkiestra Chicago played liturgical music selections last Sunday. Founded in 2011, the orchestra is designed to teach young musicians Polish music and culture. St. Joseph parishioner Konrad Pawelek…
Crime images spark outrage in Gage Park
Spread the loveRobbed at gunpoint in his own garage By Tim Hadac Home-security camera images of a 48-year-old Gage Park man being robbed at gunpoint in his own garage outraged a number of Southwest Siders this week. Images showed the man driving his car down the alley in the 5500 block of South Richmond at…
Here’s the skinny: Trimmed-down Lawrence helps Oak Lawn top Evergreen
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Staff Writer Oak Lawn senior basketball player Davion Lawrence is 45 pounds lighter than he was last season, but insists his eating habits are the same. He has, however, changed up his training habits. Heading into football last fall, Lawrence and a few fellow seniors wanted to get in the…
College Report: McAuley grad Swiatek plays hero for St. Francis
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Staff Writer Hannah Swiatek comes off the bench for the University of St. Francis and is averaging 3.1 points per game. But when called on for the biggest shot of her college career, the 5-foot-8 junior guard from Oak Lawn delivered. Swiatek scored the winning basket in a wild 99-97…
Neighbors
Softball | Jocelyn Hovanec scores two runs, Ks 12 in Chicago Christian win
Spread the loveBy Xavier Sanchez Correspondent Chicago Christian is working to find its footing in the inaugural season of the Chicagoland Christian Conference. The Knights entered this week 6-8 overall and 4-6 in the CCC, putting them in fifth place with just two conference games to play among their final seven regular-season contests. The Knights…
Boys Volleyball | Chicago Christian finishes April strong, takes second at Ridgewood Invitational
Spread the loveBy Xavier Sanchez Correspondent A busy and largely successful final seven days of April saw Chicago Christian briefly climb back to the .500 mark after a tough first month of the season. The Knights (11-12, 4-4 Chicagoland Christian Conference) have won seven of their past 10 matches, all of which were played over…
Work moving forward at Marquette Park
Spread the love. Kathy Headley Your correspondent in Chicago Lawn and Marquette Manor 6610 S. Francisco • (773) 776-7778 . In the March 29 edition of the Greater Southwest News-Herald, I wrote a story about a town hall meeting at Marquette Park, we learned of some of the upcoming plans the Park District has for…
Sophia Smith’s brace sinks Red Stars
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Correspondent Home has not been that sweet lately for the Chicago Red Stars. The team lost its second straight game at SeatGeek Stadium with a 2-0 setback to Portland in front of an announced crowd of 4,443 on April 27. Portland star Sophia Smith scored in the 10th and 26th…
Nazareth Academy celebrates ‘special talent’ J.J. McCarthy in NFL Draft
Spread the loveBy Steve Metsch Dennis Moran has no doubts that J.J. McCarthy – the former Nazareth Academy quarterback who is now with the Minnesota Vikings – will succeed in the National Football League. Moran was among about 60 or so Nazareth Academy fans, friends and coaches who gathered Thursday night at The Stadium Club…
Brother Rice names Al Perez next soccer coach
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Correspondent A few new coaches are dotting the area high school athletic scene. One of the more notable hires was Brother Rice bringing Al Perez aboard as the soccer coach. Perez led Chicago Public League power Washington to a Class 2A state championship in 2013, a fourth-place finish in 2015…
Police Council rallies to save ShotSpotter
Spread the love. By Alexis Bocanegra Your correspondent in Clearing and Garfield Ridge (773) 949-1509 • grcl.alex23@gmail.com . Chicago Lawn (8th) District Police Council members Mark Hamberlin, Al Cacciottolo and Jason Huff have created an online petition to save ShotSpotter. As you may have read in the Clear-Ridge Reporter & NewsHound back in March, Mayor…
Capacity crowd speaks out against Evergreen Park dispensary
Spread the loveBy Joe Boyle Additional chairs had to be brought out to seat an overflow crowd of Evergreen Park residents who attended a meeting April 15 regarding a proposed cannabis dispensary for the village. And many who were in attendance voiced their opposition to having a dispensary in Evergreen Park. Most of the people cited…
Countryside puts dog park on hold, will require leashes in two parks
Spread the loveBy Steve Metsch The city of Countryside has put on hold building a dog park, but canines and their owners are still in store for a treat. The city council has unanimously approved a plan to permit dogs in City Park and Countryside Park this year. Previously, they were not allowed in the…