Obituaries November 10, 2022
GUADALUPE AVILA
Guadalupe Avila, age 90, passed away October 7.
Beloved husband of the late Alicia (nee Vasquez) Avila; loving father of Dolores Yracheta; dear grandfather of Timothy Yracheta III and Nicholas (Alexis) Yracheta; dearest great-grandfather of Calix, Jaxon, Nixon and Zayn; fond uncle to many nieces and nephews. Also survived by relatives and friends.
Visitation was held October 15 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice with a Service and Time of Remembrance held at the funeral home. Interment, Saint Mary Cemetery, Evergreen Park. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.
CORRINE DABROWSKI
Corrine Dabrowski (nee Klein), longtime resident of Chicago, Garfield Ridge community, passed away peacefully October 31.
Beloved wife of the late Thaddeus “Ted the Barber” Dabrowski; loving mother of Tad (Cathy) Dabrowski; cherished grandmother of Staci Dabrowski; dearest sister of the late Al Klein.
Visitation was held November 5 until time of Service at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave. (55th street just west of Harlem). Cremation private. In lieu of flowers, donations in Corrine’s memory to Misercordia Home, www.misercordia.com would be greatly appreciated.
FLORA SALINAS DE CHAVEZ
Flora Salinas De Chavez, age 70, passed away October 21.
Will be forever missed by her loving family and friends.
Visitation was held at Szykowny Funeral home, Jonathan F Siedlecki, Owner/Director. Mass was held at Holy Cross Church, Chicago. Final resting place Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Hillside. To leave any tributes, please visit funeral home website at www.SzykownyFuneralHomeIl.com.
ANTHONY JOHN KAVALAUSKAS
Anthony J. Kavalauskas, 44, of Oak Lawn, passed away suddenly on October 30.
He was the devoted father of Sebastian Kavalauskas; cherished son to William and Marie Celine nee Gawelczyk Kavalauskas; dearest brother of Tracy (Todd) Koziol and Keith (Kinga) Kavalauskas; loving partner of Alexa Pavlopoulos; dearest uncle of Samantha, Scott (Kellie), Sean, Natalia and Mila; proud great uncle of Brynlee and Vivien.
He was a member of IBEW Local 134.
Contributions may be made to the American Heart Association would be appreciated.
Funeral services were held Nov. 5 at the Palos-Gaidas Funeral Home, 11028 Southwest Hwy., Palos Hills. Interment private
MALGORZATA KUCHARSKI
Malgorzata Kucharski (nee Zajac), 39, of Worth, formerly of Chicago, passed away November 3.
She was the devoted daughter of Maria (nee Smialek) and Kazimierz Zajac; loving sister of Pawel Jolanta) Smialek, Tomasz (Agnieszka) Zajac and Lukasz Zajac; cherished aunt of Dominik, Karolina, Wojtek, Weronika and Jan Smialek, Michal, Kacper, Adrian and Jozef Zajac; wife of Andrzej Kucharski; dearly loved by many aunts, uncles, cousin and friends.
Visitation was November 7 at Zarzycki Manor Chapels Ltd., 8999 S. Archer Avenue, Willow Springs. Funeral was November 8 from the funeral home to the Church of St. Fabian. Mass 10 a.m. Interment Rabka, Poland.
RAYMOND MANCUSO
Raymond Mancuso passed away peacefully November 3, with his loving family at his side.
He was the beloved husband of Giuseppa (nee Scellato); cherished father of Frank (Erica) Mancuso and Felicia Mancuso; dearest grandfather of Austin Damisi; fond brother of Maria (late Felice) Bruno and the late Giuseppa Schillaci and late Filippo Mancuso; dear uncle of many nieces and nephews.
Visitation was held November 7 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave. (55th street just west of Harlem). Visitation was held at the funeral home Noember 8 until time of Prayers. Procession from the funeral home to Two Holy Martyrs Parish, St. Rene Goupil Church for a Mass of Resurrection. Entombment is Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Please offer your thoughts and condolences to Raymond’s family on his personal tribute website at: www.foranfuneralhome.com.
ROLAND E. “BUDDY” McFADDEN JR.
Roland E. “Buddy” McFadden Jr. passed away suddenly and unexpectedly October 30. Army Veteran.
He was the beloved husband of Dawn (nee Hoefke); loving father of Robert (Cindy) Ashcroft and Meghann (Ryan) Marrotta; proud grandfather of Caitlin and Oliver; loving son of the late Roland and Margaret McFadden; dear brother of Thomas (late Kathleen) McFadden, the late Patrick (Sandra) McFadden, late George (Diane) McFadden; much loved son-in-law of Joan (late Fred) Hoefke and brother-in-law of Sue Mc Gee and Donna (Scott) Campbell; fond uncle of late Jennifer, Kevin, Josh, Kris, Kory, Kyle and Morgan and great uncle to many.
A visitation in Celebration of Buddy’s life was held November 4 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave. (55th street just west of Harlem). Family and friends met at Zion Lutheran Church, 5865 South Archer Road, Summit November 5 until time of Service, followed with Military Honors. Buddy took much pride in his position as a groundskeeper for School District 109.
MARK A. McKINNEY
Mark A. McKinney, age 52, passed away October 7.
Loving father of Mark McKinney Jr., Michael McKinney and Matthew McKinney; dearest grandfather of Serenity and Ezra; cherished son of the late Madeline (nee Zagar) and the late J.W. McKinney; dear brother of Laura McKinney, Jamie McKinney, Jay McKinney and Shannon McKinney. Also survived by nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Visitation was held October 15 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice, with a Service and Time of Remembrance held at the funeral home. Cremation rites to be accorded. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.
DARYL GEORGE NELSON SR.
Daryl George Nelson Sr. passed away November 1. Proud Vietnam Veteran serving in the Army from 1967 to 1972 and in the Air Force from 1972 to 1974.
He was the beloved husband of Irene (nee Feiferis); loving father of Daryl Jr. (Agnes) and Andrea Nelson; proud grandfather of Kyle; dear brother of Gina Major and Candance (Eugene) Andruk and uncle to Anthony Andruck. Daryl will be missed by his aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and his many fellow comrades. Daryl was a former member and Post Commander of V.F. W. Post # 6863 from 1997 to 1998, and current member of Rhine Post # 2729, former Commander of D.A.V. DuPage Veterans #CH 5 Elmhurst, Il from 2019 to 2020 and member of American Legion Elmhurst Post #187.
Visitation was held November 6 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave. (55th street just west of Harlem). Visitation at the funeral home November 7 until time of Celebration of Life Service. After the service, friends and family met at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery where Daryl was laid to rest with Military Honors.
ISIDRA “CHILA” RAMIREZ
Isidra “Chila” Ramirez, age 84 of Chicago, passed way October 29.
Beloved sister of Maria Ramirez and preceded in death by Teresa, Socorro, Isabel, Ramon and Gonzalo; aunt of Tomas (Adriana) Ramirez, Patricia (Eduardo) Ramirez-Flores, Sandra (John) Shaughnessy and Kristina Ramirez Lugo. She is preceded in death by her nephews Marco Ramirez and Jessie Ramirez; great-aunt of Stefano Ramirez, Christopher Flores, Liam Shaughnessy, Luciano Ramirez and Avery Shaughnessy.
Visitation was held November 1 at Hitzeman Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 9445 W. 31st Street Brookfield. Visitation was held November 2 at St. Paul Church, 2127 W. 22nd Pl, Chicago to Time of Mass. Interment Private Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Hillside. 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 Isidra Ramirez Family. We will gladly forward it on to the family.
JOHN J. REED
John J. Reed, age 68, of Bridgeport, passed away October 26.
He was the loving son of the late Theresa (nee Owczarz) and late Albert Reed; dearest brother of Karen (late Douglas) Coon, Bette (Gregory) Platta and the late Christine Perkins; dear uncle of Donna Coon, Roy Coon, Christopher Platta, Gregory Platta, Michael (Christina) Platta, Holly Perkins and Kevin Perkins; fond great uncle of many.
Visitation was held November 3 at Zarzycki Manor Chapels, Ltd., 5088 S. Archer Ave., corner of Keeler. Funeral Service was held November 4 at the funeral home Interment Resurrection Cemetery. 773-767-2166 or www.ZarzyckiManorChapels.com.
GALE P. SINKS
Gale P. Sinks (nee Contreras), age 73, passed away October 4.
Beloved wife of Gerald Sinks; loving mother of Deanna Gill (James), Scott Sinks (Pam), Wendy Uher and Mandy Sinks (Eric); dear grandmother of Sean, Jeremy, Corey, Tyler, Dean, Lawsyn, Mystery, Baley and Cole; cherished daughter of the late Lorraine O’Day and the late Edward Contreras; fond sister of Amber Andrist and the late Edward Contreras. Also survived by nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Visitation was held October 15 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice, with a Service and Time of Remembrance held at the funeral home. Cremation rites have been accorded. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.
JAMES D. SKURZEWSKI
James D. Skurzewski, age 73, away peacefully October 16. He was a member of The Freemasons and union brother of Millwright Local 1693.
Preceded in death by his parents Clara and Adam Skurzewski; brothers Thomas and Frank.
He is survived by his loving children Pamela (Marc) Osorno and Timothy (Maggie); cherished JaJa to Lorelei, Samantha, Victoria, Sarah, Raymond and Madison; partner and dear friend to Robin.
The immediate family will hold a private memorial service. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Heart Association.
CAROLYN SMITH
Carolyn J. Smith, age 78, of Bridgeview, passed away October 21. Proud Army Veteran.
She was the beloved wife of Charles Bond; loving mother of Mark Smith, Matthew Smith, Michael Smith and Alexis Bond; dear grandmother of many. Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Thelma Ware and her sisters, Jolene Benante and Alice Chrisman. She is survived by her brother Bill Ware and sister June Zappia.
A Memorial Visitation was held November 5 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave. (55th street just west of Harlem). A Celebration of Life Service followed. In lieu of flowers donations in honor of Carolyn to Disabled American Veterans at Dav.org or Dark Horse Project at Darkhorseproject.net would be greatly appreciated. Condolences may be sent to Carolyn’s family on her personal tribute website at www.foranfuneralhome.com.
REV. DAVID STRAUB
Rev. David R. Straub, former associate pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Palos Hills, passed away Nov. 1. He was 60 years old.
Straub was born on July 31, 1962, in Chicago. He attended Marian Catholic High School, Valparaiso University in Valparaiso, Indiana, and the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary in Mundelein.
He was ordained to the priesthood on May 21, 1994, by Cardinal Joseph Bernardin, and celebrated his first solemn Mass on May 22 of the same year at St. Kieran Parish in Chicago Heights.
Straub served the people of the archdiocese as associate pastor at many parishes: St. Columbanus Parish on 71st Street, St. Monica Parish on Foster Avenue, St. Dorothy Parish on 78th Street, all in Chicago. He also served in the same role at St. Zachary Parish in Des Plaines, Prince of Peace Parish in Lake Villa and Sacred Heart Parish. Straub was pastor of St. Benedict the African-West Parish on Honore Street in Chicago and Queen of the Rosary Parish in Elk Grove Village.
Auxiliary Bishop Mark Bartosic remembered his classmate as “a man of few words, although he had a way with them.” Bartosic added that Fr. Straub had been a sportswriter after college and before seminary, and continued his writing after being ordained. “He was a man who never forgot a kindness done to him,” Bartosic said.
“Fr. Dave Straub was a humble priest, never seeking the limelight or fanfare,” said Auxiliary Bishop Robert Casey, archdiocesan vicar general and former classmate. “He served our Church well, and I am certain he’ll be hearing the Lord say, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.’”
All funeral services were held at Sacred Heart Church, 8245 W. 111th Street in Palos Hills. Visitation hours were 3-8 p.m. on Nov. 8, and from 9-10 a.m. on Nov. 9, immediately followed by the funeral Mass. Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, archbishop of Chicago, will be the main celebrant and Fr. Bartosic will be the homilist.
Interment will take place at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Alsip.
Local News
Here’s a sure sign of spring
Spread the loveBy Joan Hadac Your correspondent in Clearing and Garfield Ridge (708) 496-0265 • joan.hadac@gmail.com Hi everyone. How have you been surviving January? This is one month I always hope flies by. If the sun is out, the temperatures are, or feel like they are in the subzero range. If it’s cloudy, which is most…
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…
Neighbors
Billions of cicadas get ready to raise a racket
Spread the loveBy Kelly White If you haven’t heard the buzz yet, you will soon. With 2024 marking a big year for periodical cicadas in Illinois, billions of the red-eyed buggers will soon be making an appearance. Periodical cicada broods XIII and XIX will be emerging throughout much of the state at the same time.…
‘A man of honor, a beacon of kindness’
Spread the love. Chicago weeps for Officer Luis Huesca . By Tim Hadac People across the Southwest Side shed tears earlier this week, as throngs of police officers and other filled the St. Rita of Cascia Shrine Chapel at 77th and Western for a funeral Mass for CPD Officer Luis M. Huesca. Officer Huesca was…
Archer Manor Little League starts its 2024 season
Spread the love. Sunny skies and mild temperatures greeted the boys and girls, moms and dads, umpires and coaches, and everyone else participating in Archer Manor Little League’s Opening Day parade and ceremonies at Archer Park. Since 1952, AMLL has provided athletic opportunities for thousands of boys and girls in Archer Heights, West Elsdon, Central…
Dread over car drifters on streets
Spread the love. Reckless drivers take over SW Side intersections . By Tim Hadac At the April meeting of the Garfield Ridge Neighborhood Watch, a police officer admitted that the drag racing/drifting phenomenon seen and heard in the Midway area in recent years “probably will increase, but we hope not.” The admission was triggered by…
Don’t raise pilots’ retirement age, García says
Spread the love. From staff reports U.S. Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García (D-4th), senior member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, recently led a letter joined by 121 Members of Congress urging House Democratic leadership to reject any changes to the pilot retirement age in a final version of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization bill.…
CTA launches ‘chat’ feature on website
Spread the love. From staff reports Artificial Intelligence has made another step forward at the Chicago Transit Authority. CTA officials recently launched the “Chat with CTA” chatbot, a new virtual automated service featured on transitchicago.com. The communication tool allows riders to report issues, provide feedback and receive answers in real-time. Additionally, it provides the CTA with customer…
New effort to aid kids with disabilities
Spread the love. From staff reports A new grant program aimed at providing financial assistance to families of children with disabilities was launched recently by Mayor Brandon Johnson, in partnership with the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities and Ada S. McKinley Community Services. Children with disabilities is a population disproportionately affected by the pandemic,…
Dart warns of Sheriff’s Office imposters
Spread the love. From staff reports Cook County Sheriff Thomas J. Dart recently alerted the public of an uptick in telephone and email phishing scams in which scammers identify themselves as a Sheriff’s Office employee in an attempt to defraud victims. Scammers are using the actual names and respective titles of Sheriff’s Office employees to…
It’s ‘Batter up!’ time in West Lawn
Spread the love. Peggy Zabicki Your correspondent in West Lawn 3633 W. 60th Place • (773) 504-9327 . It must be May because baseball season is here. I recently reported on the West Lawn Little League, whose 2024 season is now underway. Another West Lawn youth athletic association is Midway Baseball Softball Association. Their teams…