Obituaries May 19, 2022
SIGMUND A. BOGDZIEWICZ
Sigmund A. Bogdziewicz, age 96, passed away April 28. US Navy WWII Veteran, Honor Flight participant.
Loving son of the late Vincent (late Helena); dearest brother of the late Charles, late Stanley, late Vincent Jr. and late Joseph; dear uncle and great uncle to many.
Visitation was held at Szykowny Funeral Home, Jonathan F. Siedlecki Director, 4901 S. Archer Ave (1 blk east of Pulaski at Szykowny Blvd). Funeral Mass was held at Five Holy Martyrs Church, Interment. Resurrection Cemetery. To leave any tributes, please visit funeral home website at www.SzykownyFuneralHomeIL.com.
RAYMOND BYERS
Raymond Byers, age 77, of Chicago, passed away April 25, after a long, hard battle with cancer surrounded by his family. Retired engineer for Chicago Park District.
Son of late Ernest and Lauretta (nee Geist) Byers; brother of late Richard Byers. Raymond is survived by his wife, Gail (nee Bray) and his cherished children Kirk (Erin), Teri (Ibrahim), Mandy (Henry), Danny (Jamie), And Holly (Pablo); cherished grandchildren, Nathan (Samantha), Zoe, Skylar, Savannah and Isabella; cherished great grandchildren Charlotte and Blake; uncle to the late Pamela Potempa, Cheryl Walker, and Rich Byers and many other nieces and nephews, brother-in-law and friend to many.
Visitation was held April 29 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held April 30, service and time of remembrance were held at the funeral home. Cremation rites to be accorded. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.
EDGAR DEVRIES
Edgar DeVries, age 96, passed away May 11. He was a proud World War II veteran of the Army Air Corps, Retired from the CSX railway as a supervisor.
Edgar was preceded in death by his dedicated wife Elaine DeVries. He leaves behind his beloved four children, Kenneth (Denise) DeVries, Janet (John) Osifchin, Edward (Sally) DeVries, and Lisa (Tom) DeVries; his cherished grandchildren, Jason Kowal, Edgar (Stacy) DeVries, John (Casey) Osifchin, David Osifchin, Sherri (Frankie) Bradley, David Kowal, and Joseph DeVries, and his great-grandchildren Jason, Kyle, Robert, Thomas, Alysa, Harley, Sierra, Haley, dear uncle to many nieces and nephews.
Memories will be shared at a visitation Saturday May 21 from 3-9 pm at Hann Funeral Home 8230 S. Harlem Ave Bridgeview. A second night visitation will be held on Sunday, May 22 from 3-9 pm at Hann Funeral Home 8230 S. Harlem Ave Bridgeview. Chapel Prayers Monday May 23 at 10:00am at Hann Funeral Home. Internment Fairmount Willow Hills Cemetery, Willow Springs IL. Funeral arrangements being handled by Hann Funeral Home, for more information call, 708-496-3344 or visit us online at hannfuneralhome.com.
JOANNE R. KOSEK
Joanne R. Kosek, age 71, of Chicago, Garfield Ridge community, passed away peacefully April 30.
She was the loving daughter of the late Stanley and late Angeline Kosek; dear sister of the late Stanley (late Karen) Kosek, late Lorraine (late Vito) Tallarito, Bernadette (Eric) Sanberg and Joe (Cathy) Kosek; admired and much-loved aunt of Michael (Amanda), Vickie (Greg), Stanley, Colin (Chelsea), Alexander, Alton, Claire and Ali; great aunt of Paige, Lincoln and Finnegan. Joanne will be dearly missed by her best friends, Teri Jasinski and Theresa Piasecki.
Visitation was held May 8 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave. (55th street just west of Harlem). Visitation at the funeral home May 9 until time of prayers. Procession from the funeral home to St. Joseph Church for a Mass of Resurrection. Entombment Resurrection Cemetery Garden Mausoleum. Condolences may be sent to Joanne’s family on her personal tribute website at www.foranfuneralhome.com.
FRANCIS J. LAUER SR.
Francis J. Lauer Sr., age 87, of Chicago, Garfield Ridge community, passed away at home May 11.
He was the beloved husband of the late Geraldine (nee Grzenia); loving father of Michael Lauer, Francis Jr (Barbara) Lauer and Paul Lauer; cherished grandfather of Liberty, Kayla, Sean and Mike Lauer Jr.; dear uncle of many nieces and nephews.
Visitation was held May 14 until time of Celebration of Life Service at Foran Funeral Home (55th street just west of Harlem). Francis will be cremated and buried at a later date at Resurrection Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to Francis’s family on his personal tribute website at www.foranfuneralhome.com.
JOSE T. MELENDEZ
Jose T. Melendez, age 79, of Chicago, Garfield Ridge community, passed away at home May 6, with his loving family at his side.
He was the beloved husband of Guadalupe Cintora; loving father of Sonia (Gustavo) Villarreal, Roberto Melendez, Anna Melendez and the late Estela Melendez and late Alejandra (Jose) Espada; cherished grandfather of Isabella, Jose, Luciana and Zadkiel; dear brother of Arturo, Miguel, Raul, Victoria, Carmen, Maria Elena, Josefina and the late Guadalupe; fond uncle of many nieces and nephews.
Visitation was held May 9 at Foran Funeral Home,7300 W. Archer Ave. (55th street just west of Harlem). Visitation at the funeral home May 10 until time of prayers. Procession from the funeral home to St. Blasé Church for a Mass of Resurrection. Jose was entombed at Resurrection Cemetery Garden Mausoleum. Condolences may be sent to Jose’s family on his personal tribute website at www.foranfuneralhome.com.
LINDA LEE PECORARO
Linda Lee Pecoraro, age 73, of Chicago, Garfield Ridge community, passed away peacefully May 3 surrounded by her loving family.
She was the beloved mother of Tony (Susie Wozniak) Pecoraro and Frank (Amber) Pecoraro; much loved grandmother of Nicholas Pecoraro, Anthony Pecoraro, Brayden Pecoraro, Vinny and Carlee Pecoraro; dear sister of Mike Ledene and the late Harry Ledene. Linda will be dearly missed by her caring extended family and her nieces, nephews and friends.
Visitation was held May 7 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave. (55th street just west of Harlem) until time of Celebration of Life Service. Per Linda’s request she will be cremated. Condolences may be sent to Linda’s family on her personal tribute website at www.foranfuneralhome.com.
FRANCES C. RYBA
Frances C. Ryba (nee Slofkosky), age 93, of Chicago, Archer Heights community, passed away May 2.
Beloved wife of the late Edward Ryba; loving mother of Michele Ryba, Adrienne Castillo, late James (Lori) and late William Ryba; dearest grandmother of Daniela, Nicholas, Marisa, Brandon Castillo, Daniel (Deborah), David, Heather and Brett (Krystel) Ryba; dear great grandmother of Luna Sophia, Sebastian, Samantha, Logan and Lillianna; devoted daughter of the late Apolonia (nee Farkish) and late Michael Slofkosky; fond sister of Margaret Munday, Theresa Slofkosky; preceded in death by Mary Drury, Anna Laschiazza, Helen Patterson, Elizabeth Majchrowicz, Joseph, John, Stephen, George, Michael, Albert, Thomas and William Slofkosky; fond aunt and friend of many.
Visitation was held May 6 at Zarzycki Manor Chapels, Ltd., 5088 S. Archer Ave., corner of Keeler. Funeral was held May 7 from the funeral home to the Church of St. Bruno for Mass. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. Faithful member of St. Bruno Rosary Sodality, Mother’s Club, Senior Club and Bingo Worker. 773-767-2166 or www.ZarzyckiManorChapels.com.
TERRENCE CHARLES SCHWITT
Terrence Charles Schwitt, age 78, of La Grange Park, passed away May 2.
Son of the late Bruno A. Schwiit and Estelle A. Schwitt (nee Mikrut); nephew of Lorraine (the late Joseph) Dvorak; cousin of Lynn (Chuck) Grimm, Joseph (Lynn) Dvorak, Charles (Reggie) Dvorak, Ronald Lipinski; “Uncle” of Bryan (Rebecca) Dvorak, Jason (Meghan) Dvorak, Jeffrey (Cindy Kowalski) Grimm, Kevin Grimm, Carrie (Aaron) Sharpe and Grant Paplauskas.
Visitation was held May 6 and May 7 at Hitzeman Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 9445 W. 31st Street, Brookfield. Funeral was held May 7 to St. Louise de Marillac Church, La Grange Park for Mass. Interment private Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials appreciated to St. Louise de Marillac Church, 1144 Harrison Avenue, LaGrange Park, IL 60526. 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 The Terrence Schwitt Family. We will gladly forward it on to the family.
MARIAN ANDRZEJ “ANDY” WISNIEWSKI
Marian Andrzej “Andy” Wisniewski, age 72, passed away April 22.
Beloved husband of Maria (nee Kopinska) Wisniewski; loving father of Patricia Wisniewski and Simon Wisniewski; cherished son of the late Bronislawa (nee Folfas) and Marian Wisniewski; dear brother of the late Stanley Wisniewski; fond brother-in-law of Jan (Zofia) Kopinski, Kazimierz (Nina) Kopinski, Andrzej (Malgorzata) Kopinski and Krzysztof Kopinski; dear uncle of Melissa Kopinski and Timothy Kopinski also many nieces and nephews in Poland. Also survived by relatives and friends.
Visitation was held April 27 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held April 28, Prayers and procession from the funeral home to Saint James at Sag Bridge Church, 10600 Archer Avenue, Lemont for Mass. Interment, Resurrection Cemetery, Justice. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.
DENNIS EDWARD WOOD
Dennis Edward Wood, age 72, of Brookfield, passed away May 2. Vietnam Navy Veteran.
Beloved husband of Diane M. Wood (nee Solti); son of the late Charles Patrick Wood; dear brother of Gary (Conny) Wood; uncle of Markus Wood.
Visitation was held May 5 at Hitzeman Funeral Home, Ltd., 9445 W. 31st Street, Brookfield, IL 60513. Committal Service and Military Honors were held May 6 at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood. 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 The Dennis Wood Family. We will gladly forward it on to the family.
Local News
College Report: Former Stagg standout Kazanecki gives hoops one more year
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Staff writer The idea was for Tom Kazanecki to finish his basketball career at St. Ambrose in 2021. The former Stagg hoops standout was even toying with the idea of starting a military career, even though he had an extra year of athletics eligibility remaining, thanks to seasons getting snipped…
Area Sports Roundup: Marist leads way with 11 wrestlers heading to state
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Staff writer An army of area wrestlers is headed to the state tournament, with 49 set to hit the mat in Champaign. During sectional action on Feb. 12, area wrestlers feasted on opponents. Marist will send 11 to the tournament, which begins Thursday at State Farm Center on the University…
Paczki Day ahead, not behind
Spread the loveBy Peggy Zabicki Your correspondent in West Lawn 3633 W. 60th Place • (773) 504-9327 If you read my column online last week, you might remember my reference to Paczki Day. I thought it took place on Feb. 9. I was shopping at a Jewel outside our neighborhood around that date, and I asked…
Man charged in string of armed robberies in Palos Heights, Palos Hills, Hickory Hills
Spread the loveBy Bob Bong A Chicago man has been charged in a string of armed robberies that took place in Palos Heights, Palos Hills, Hickory Hills and other communities. He was charged February 2 for the December 28 robbery of the Shell station at 12121 S. Ridgeland Ave. in Palos Heights. Palos Heights police…
Campaign 2020: Civil Rights attorney ShawnTe Raines-Welch to seek judgeship
Spread the loveBy Ray Hanania Civil Rights attorney ShawnTe Raines-Welch has announced her candidacy for one of two vacancies for judge in Cook County’s 4th Subcircuit in the June 28 primary election. Raines-Welch specializes in legal work for municipal governments, including cities, school districts, park districts and other local taxpayer-funded public bodies at an established…
Campaign 2020: 11 elected officials endorse Newman in primary
Spread the loveBy Bob Bong Marie Newman’s bid to win the Democratic nomination in the new 6th Congressional District picked up steam Tuesday when 11 elected officials in Cook and DuPage counties announced they were endorsing her in the June primary over fellow incumbent Sean Casten. “Congresswoman Marie Newman has been a very strong and effective…
Owner dispels rumors of Royalberry closing
Spread the loveBy Bob Bong Frank Salman, owner of Royalberry Waffle House and Restaurant in Palos Heights, has a simple message: “We’re not closed!” Salman said rumors have been rampant in the area that his restaurant of 17 years suddenly closed at the corner of 127th Street and Ridgeland Avenue. “We are not closed. We are…
Things were poppin’ at Valentine’s event
Spread the loveBy Kathy Headley Your correspondent in Chicago Lawn and Marquette Manor 6610 S. Francisco • (773) 776-7778 Last Saturday I stopped in at the Valentine Small Business Pop-Up at Monarca, on the northwest corner of 63rd and Spaulding. I really enjoy these events. I always walk out spending more than I planned, this…
The next correspondent could be you
Spread the loveBy Joan Hadac GSWNH Columnist At-Large This week, it’s my privilege and pleasure to write the Greater Southwest News-Herald’s column for Greater Ashburn (the Wrightwood, Ashburn, Parkview and Scottsdale neighborhoods). Greater Ashburn has not had a correspondent in this newspaper since Carolina Franco stepped away from writing this column back in late 2019. Anyway,…
Neighbors
Red Stars’ Swanson, Naeher headed to Paris seeking gold
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Correspondent Two Chicago Red Stars standouts are going to Paris to represent the U.S. in the Summer Olympics. Goalie Alyssa Naeher and forward Mallory Swanson have been named to the United States Women’s National Team. Naeher was on U.S. Olympic teams that played in Rio de Janeiro and 2016 and…
Laurie Markatos, Dylan Jacobs looking toward 2028 Summer Games
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Correspondent Laurie Markatos predicted there would be a “flood of tears” her first day on the job. Markatos, The Regional News and The Reporter’s Softball Player of the Year in 1996 and 1997 when she played for Stagg, is an assistant coach of the Greek National Softball Team, also known…
Township of Lyons donates $10,000 to help food pantries
Spread the loveBy Steve Metsch The Township of Lyons board was in a giving mood at its most recent meeting. The board approved sponsorships and donations totaling $12,250. The largest donation was $10,000. It went to the Greater Chicago Food Depository which runs 12 monthly mobile food pantries in the township each year. Supervisor Christopher…
Countryside zoning commissioner honored for 20 years on board
Spread the loveBy Steve Metsch For the past 20 years, Tina Grotzke has had a say-so in every development that’s come to Countryside. Grotzke was appointed to another term on the city’s the plan commission zoning board of appeals during the city council’s meeting on June 12. Mayor Sean McDermott noted Grotzke’s two decades of…
Nuccio bids farewell to Indian Springs SD 109
Spread the loveBy Carol McGowan After 25 years of serving the area, 22 of those at Indian Springs School District 109, Dr. Blair Nuccio is set to retire. Dr. Nuccio was the assistant superintendent at District 109 before becoming superintendent in July of 2017. Prior to that, he spent three years as the superintendent at…
A real knockout
Spread the loveLyons boy, 10, heads to boxing nationals By Steve Metsch Dario Lemus Jr., has yet to knock out an opponent in the boxing ring. Give him time. After all, the 10-year-old Lyons boy has only been boxing for 18 months. “I’ve dropped two kids, but not like a knockout,” Dario said with a…
New Middle Eastern coffee shop opens next to Bridgeview courthouse
Spread the loveBy Nuha Abdessalam Coffee connoisseurs take heart, Bridgeview Court Plaza’s newest addition, The Qahwa, is now open. Prepare to be captivated by a truly unique Middle Eastern coffee experience, nestled in the heart of Bridgeview’s “Little Palestine.” The Qahwa, with its one-of-a-kind Middle Eastern coffee blends and inviting atmosphere, is a haven for…
Temps were hot, but golfers were cool
Spread the love. Kathy Headley Your correspondent in Chicago Lawn and Marquette Manor 6610 S. Francisco • (773) 776-7778 . The weekend of June 22/23 started with temps in the 90s, a high humidity both days and the threat of rain loomed throughout the weekend as well. This is not unusual for the third week…
Oak Lawn Fourth of July festivities
Spread the loveCelebrate Independence Day at the Village of Oak Lawn’s annual Fourth of July Parade at 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 29! This cherished community event brings together families, friends, and neighbors to honor the spirit of freedom and patriotism. Parade will step off at 95th Street and Lacrosse and head west on 95th…
District 230 names Director of Safety and Security
Spread the loveFrom staff reports The Consolidated High School District 230 Board of Education approved Dr. Mary Pat Carr as the district’s first Director of Security. She will move from her current position as Assistant Principal of Activities at Stagg High School to the Administrative Center on July 1. Her duties as Director of Safety…