RICHARD BENEDICT BLAKE

Richard Benedict Blake, age 75, of North Riverside formerly of Brookfield, passed away December 20. Navy Veteran.

Beloved son of the late Richard Francis Blake and Helen Rose Blake (nee Bombeck); loving brother of Terence (Christine) Blake; uncle of William (Emily) Blake, Jacqueline Blake and Rebecca Blake.

Visitation was held January 5 at Hitzeman Funeral Home Ltd., 9445 W. 31st Street, Brookfield. Funeral followed to St Barbara Church, 4008 Prairie Ave., Brookfield for Mass. Interment 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 Richard Benedict Blake Family. We will gladly forward it on to the family.

CAROL CAGALA 

Carol Cagala nee Brunell, 77, of Bridgeview, passed away December 31.

She was the Loving mother of Renee (Adam) Cohen, Cheryl (Christopher) Morlock, and Michael (Heidi) Cagala; beloved grandmother of Nicholas, Faith, Cameron, Jacob, Noah, Arianna, Brooklyn, Carter, and Jackson; dearest daughter of the late Merle and the late Alice Brunell; dear sister of the late Phyliss Applebaum, Merle Jr. and John Burnell; cherished aunt, cousin, and friend to many.

Funeral services were held January 6 at the Palos-Gaidas Funeral Home, 11028 Southwest Hwy., Palos Hills. Interment was private.

To express your condolences, visit www.palosgaidasfh.com or call 708-974-4410.

NORMAN THOMAS COOK 

Norman Thomas Cook, of Hickory Hills, formerly of Chicago’s Brighton Park area, passed away.

He was the devoted son of Mildred (nee Kwilosz) and the late Hugh Cook Sr.; dear brother of Hugh Cook Jr.; dearly loved by his many cousins.

A graduate of Columbia College Chicago, Norman majored in film and video and was a published photographer and writer.

In 1989, he helped launch Unique magazine and served as its associate publisher. In succeeding years, he worked as a business-to-business sales representative for the likes of Home Depot, Dumore Supplies, Weekes Forest Products and, most recently, Jeld-Wen, the world’s largest door and window company.

A dedicated Green Bay Packer fan and shareholder, Norman never missed a game. His interest in football resulted in a two-year stint as the staff photographer and assistant line coach for the Chicago Bliss women’s football team during its 2014 and 2015 seasons. Norman was also an avid foodie, gardener, golfer, photographer, and Corvette enthusiast and owner.

Funeral services were held January 10 at Zarzycki Manor Chapels Ltd., 8999 S. Archer Ave., Willow Springs. Interment Mt.  Glenwood West Cemetery.

IRENE CWIKLIK

Irene Cwiklik, age 97, passed away December 5.

Arrangements and visitation were held at Szykowny Funeral Home, 4901 S Archer Ave, Jonathan F Siedlecki, Director/Owner. Final resting place is Abraham Lincoln Funeral Home, Elwood. To leave any tributes, please visit funeral home website at www.SzykownyFuneralHomeIl.com.

MICHAL CYGAL

Michal Cygal, age 29, passed away December 4.

Cherished son of Maria (nee Lucarz) and Wieslaw Cygal; dearest brother of Daniel Cygal; treasured grandson of Helena Storce and the late Wladyslawa and the late Jan Lucarz; loving nephew of the late Cecylia Lucarz, the late Zbigniew Lucarz, Mieczyslaw Mulawa and Dana Mulawa; dear cousin of Sylvia Lucarz. Also survived by numerous relatives and friends.

Visitation was held December 11 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held December 12, Prayers and procession from the funeral home to SS. Cyril and Methodius Church, 608 Sobieski Street, Lemont for Mass. Interment, Resurrection Cemetery, Justice. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.

GEORGENE M. FUERST

Georgene M. Fuerst, age 78, of Chicago, Garfield Ridge community, passed away December 28.

Loving daughter of the late George and late Irene (nee Sonday) Fuerst; dear niece of the late Gertrude (late Joseph) Capp, late Helen (late Robert) Casper, late Alex Fuerst, late Lucille (late John) Tylek, late Rita (John) Klosinski, late Theresa (late Leo) Siebert, late Dorothy Stucko and late Stanley Fuerst; fond cousin of Susan Daly, Diane Webb and Anita Klosinski.

Inurnment Loretto, Tennessee. 708-839-8999 or www.ZarzyckiManorChapels.com.

ANGELINA GARZA

Angelina Garza, age 88, long time resident of Chicago, Pilsen community passed away peacefully January 2, with her loving family by her side.

She was the beloved wife of the late Heriberto Garza; loving mother of Linda, Martha and Tony; cherished grandmother and great grandmother of many; dear sister of Antonio II Villalobos. She was preceded in death by her other siblings, Guadalupe, Mathias, Antonio, Tomas, Sotero and Modesta. Angelina will be lovingly missed by her many nieces, nephews.

Visitation was held January 5 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave. (55th street just west of Harlem). Visitation was held January 6 until time of Prayers. Procession from the funeral home to St. Pius V Church for a Mass of Christian Burial. Angelina will be buried at St. Mary Cemetery next to her dear husband. Condolences may be sent to Angelina’s family on her personal tribute website at www.foranfuneralhome.com.

JULIE L. KAMBEROS

Julie L. Kamberos, age 61, of Fountain Hills, Arizona and formerly of Palos Hills, passed away December 23.

Loving mother of Anthony (fiancée Lauren) Musial and Kelly (Charles) Baggio; cherished grandmother of Cole and Brody; devoted daughter of the late Shirley Jean (nee Lenius) and the late Willilam S. Kamberos; dear sister of Bradley (Diane) Kamberos, Frederick (Jan) Kamberos, Alice (Todd) Bryce and late Mark Kamberos; fond aunt of many nieces.

Visitation was held January 6 at Zarzycki Manor Chapels, Ltd., 8999 South Archer Avenue, Willow Springs. http://www.ZarzyckiManorChapels.com or 708-839-8999.

JAMES J. KULBIDA

James J. Kulbida, age 62, passed away January 2.

Beloved son of Edward C. (ret. C.P.D.) and the late Josephine (nee Graca) Kulbida; loving brother of Edward (ret. C.P.D.) (Linda), Kenneth (ret. C.P.D.) and Michael (ret. C.P.D.) (Celeste); dear uncle of Michael, Tina and Kimberly.

Funeral was held January 7 at the Richard-Midway Funeral Home, 5749 Archer Ave. (corner of Lorel) to St. Bruno Church for mass. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. Visitation was held January 6. For more information please call 773-767-1840.

RICHARD M. LALAS 

Richard M. Lalas, 89, of Palos Hills, passed away suddenly on January 7.

He was the beloved husband of the late Janina nee Tamosaitis Lalas; loving father of Robert (Samuel) Lalas; cherished grandfather of Christina (Austin)McKinney, Michael, and Matthew Lalas; dear brother of the late Alexandra (the late Vytis) Zilinskas; dear uncle of many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will gather for a memorial visitation on Thursday, January 19, from 3-8 p.m. at the Palos-Gaidas Funeral Home, 11028 Southwest Highway, Palos Hills. Interment will be private.

For information or to express your condolences, visit www.palosgaidasfh.com or call 708-974-4410.

KAROL LICHOSYT 

Karol Lichosyt, of Hickory Hills, formerly of Chicago’s Garfield Ridge neighborhood, passed away.

He was the beloved husband of Halina (nee Dubiela); loving father of Anna Lichosyt, Malgorzata (Pawel) Kaczmarzyk and Wieslaw (Honorata) Lichosyt; dearest grandfather of Julia, Amelia, Nellie and Magdalena; devoted son of the late Krystyna (nee Ratulowska ) and late Albin Lichosyt; fond brother of Sr. Maria Teodozja (Albertine Sisters), Albin (late Anna) Lichosyt, Joseph (Katherine) Lichosyt, late Genowefa (late Waclaw) Szydzikowski, late Rev. Jan Lichosyt, late Eugeniusz (Elzbieta) Lichosyt, late Ignacy Lichosyt and late Stanislaw Lichosyt; fond uncle of many nieces and nephews.

Visitation was January 11 at Zarzycki Manor Chapels, 8899 S. Archer Ave., Willow Springs. Funeral services will be Thursday, January 12, at 9:15 a.m. from the funeral home to Our Lady, Mother of the Church.  Mass 10 a.m. Interment Resurrection.

MARY JANE MEKALUNAS

Mary Jane Mekalunas (nee VanderWall), age 77, passed away January 3.

Beloved wife of James W. Mekalunas; loving daughter of the late Ralph R. and the late Rosamond E. (nee Woller) VanderWall.

Visitation was held January 8, with a Chapel Prayer Service at the Richard-Midway Funeral Home, 5749 Archer Ave. (corner of Lorel).  Private cremation. For more information please call 773-767-1840.

LES PETERSON, FORMER MVCC POLICE CHIEF 

Les Peterson, 68, of Palos Park, passed away on January 6.

He worked in law enforcement for 50 years including stints as chief of police at Moraine Valley Community College and the Village of Summit.

Survivors include his wife of 34 years, Kate (nee Murphy); his three children, Shane (Hannah Gilbert), Kelly (Kevin) Pendl and Megan (Jimmy Wrobel); and his granddaughter, Reese Kathleen Pendl. Les is also survived by his mother, Francis (nee White) Peterson, his siblings, Linda Heer, Ben B. Peterson II, Shari (Harley) Chapin, Eric Peterson, Glenn (Kim) Peterson, Kristina (Michael) Mondragon and Martha (Jack) Nagle.  Les was preceded in death by his father, Ben B. Peterson and his siblings, Phyllis (James) Benbow and Ernie Peterson.

Les was a “best friend” and “brother” to many and lived his life with a servant heart – always ready to help when you needed something.

In addition to his work as a public servant, Les also spent 25 years as an educator, teaching law enforcement to local college students.

Les had an amazing sense of humor with an infectious laugh and a smile that would light up even the biggest of rooms. When Les wasn’t building something, fixing something or doing one of his many interesting hobbies like beekeeping, he could usually be found towing the kids around the lake on innertubes at near-Mach speeds or driving his beloved granddaughter “Baby Reesie” around the yard on the golf cart.

Les was a great fan of Bruce Springsteen and would often comment “I’ll meet you further on up the road.”

Family and friends will gather for a Memorial Visitation on Monday, January 16, at Palos-Gaidas Funeral Home, 11028 Southwest Hwy., Palos Hills, from 3-8 p.m. Interment will be private

For information or to express your condolences, visit www.palosgaidasfh.com or call 708-974-4410

JASON PICCIARIELLO

Jason Picciariello, age 43, passed away November 18.

Loving dad of Jionni; cherished son of Robert and the late Helena (nee Malyszka) Picciariello; dear brother of Robert (Christine) Picciariello and the late Jeffrey Picciariello. Also survived by relatives and friends.

Visitation was held December 10 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice, with a Service and Time of Remembrance held at the funeral home. Interment, Resurrection Cemetery, Justice. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.

RONALD F. RATKOVICH

Ronald F. Ratkovich, age 71, passed away December 29.

Beloved husband of Mary P. (nee Butney); dear stepfather of Chad Nowak; loving brother of the late Carol (Wayne) Brzostko; dear uncle of Vicki and Greg Brzostko.  Ronald was a retired installer for ATT/Illinois Bell, also a member of IBEW Local 21.

Funeral Chapel Service was held January 4 at the Richard-Midway Funeral Home 5749 Archer Ave. (corner of Lorel).  Private Cremation. Visitation was held January 4. For more information please call 773-767-1840.

JOSEFINA ROMERO

Josefina Romero, age 79, passed away December 5.

Arrangements, visitation and Chapel Service were held at Szykowny Funeral Home, 4901 S Archer Ave. Chicago. Jonathan F Siedlecki, Owner/Director. Interment in Mexico. To leave any tributes, please visit funeral home website at www.SzykownyFuneralHomeIl.com.

ALBERTO SILVA

Alberto Silva, age 87, passed away December 29.

Beloved husband of Yola (nee Carraffa) for 67 years; loving father of the late Alberto (Gilda), Jorge (Yolanda), Miguel (Gumercinda) and John Silva; dear grandfather of Tania, Karla, Jessica, Jorge, Fernando, Micaela and Paola; great grandfather of Lucas, Reina, Olivia, Luca and Elena;  dear brother of the late Ester, late Encarnacion and the late Adolfo Silva. Alberto was a retired machinist for the Boeing Corporation.

Funeral Chapel Service was held January 3 at the Richard-Midway Funeral Home 5749 Archer Ave. (corner of Lorel).  Interment Queen of Heaven Cemetery. Visitation was held January 2. For more information please call 773-767-1840.

ROSALIE SPALLA 

Rosalie Spalla nee Grieco, 80, of Palos Hills, passed away on January 1.

She was the beloved wife of the late Luciano “Duke” Spalla, loving mother of Luciano Spalla, and the late Thomas Maurice Spalla; cherished grandmother of Angela Rose Spalla, Mary Frances Spalla, Roseanna Lynn Spalla, and Luciano Leonard Spalla; dear mother-in-law to Marilyn Spalla; devoted daughter of the late Mary (nee Defily) and Maurice Grieco; dearest sister of Michael (Geraldine) Grieco and Pat (the late Dorothea “Pinky “) Grieco; kind aunt to many nieces and nephews.

Visitation was January 8 and funeral services were January 9 at Palos-Gaidas Funeral Home, 11028 Southwest Hwy., Palos Hills, to St. Alexander Church in Palos Heights. Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

To express condolences, visit www.palosgaidasfh.com or call 708-974-4410.

JUDITH A. STAJSZCZAK

Judith A. Stajszczak, age 76, of Chicago, Garfield Ridge community, passed away January 1 with her loving family at her side.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents, John and Marion (Grund) Stajszczak, and her sisters, Bonnie Stajszczak and Nancy Stajszczak DeRoeck. She is survived by her brother-in-law Jim DeRoeck, nephew, Jonathan DeRoeck and niece, Emily DeRoeck and many loving cousins and friends. Judy will be missed by her little loving companion Ozzie. She was an x-ray technician at Michael Reese Hospital for forty years.

Visitation was held January 8 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave. (55th street just west of Harlem). Visitation was held at the funeral home January 9 until time of Prayers. Procession from the funeral home to St. Daniel the Prophet Church for a mass of Christian Burial. Interment will be at St. Mary Cemetery.

THOMAS “TOMMY” TAPLING 

Thomas “Tommy” Tapling passed away peacefully with his loving family at his side.

He was the loving husband of Elizabeth O’Connell; incredible father of Kerry Tapling (Patrick Anderson), Adam and “Goose” Tapling and Colby (Abi) Tapling; so proud papa of Camryn Anderson; beloved son of the late Thomas and Effie Tapling; dear brother of Jimmy Tapling, Marty (Teresa) Tapling and the late Andy (late Yvonne) Tapling. He will be dearly remembered by his many sister and brother–in-laws, nieces, nephews and friends.  Tommy worked for the CTA for over 3o years. He was a proud member of Sheet Metal Workers’ Local Union #73 and St. Lawrence Fathers Club.

Visitation was held January 4 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave. (55th street just west of Harlem). Visitation was held January 5 at the funeral home until time of Prayers. Procession from the funeral home to St. Daniel the Prophet Church for a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment Queen of Heaven Cemetery.

LOIS TARASEVIC 

Lois Tarasevic, 79, of Oak Lawn, passed away on December 27.

Survivors include her daughter Sherry (Bob) Niedbalec; five grandchildren Tyler, Jake and Katie Mae Niedbalec and Ashley and Lexi Heins. She was aunt to Edwin (Marilyn) Kozak and Cheryl (Joe) Ordonez; great aunt to Tim (Tracy) Kozak, Kimberly (Jake) Hunhoff and Dan Kozak.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 49 years, Wally; her parents Mae (Wolowiec) and Adam Kozak; her brother Edwin Kozak; her daughter Christy Heins.

She was a member of St. Louis De Montfort Women’s Auxiliary, and an Eucharistic Minister. She was a member of St. Gerald’s Parish.

She worked as an underwriter in Downtown Chicago for Prudential Insurance until she was married and was a homemaker until God called her home.

Visitation was held January 3 and her funeral was held on January 4 at Palos-Gaidas Funeral Home, 11028 Southwest Hwy., Palos Hills, to St. Gerald Church. Interment Private.

SALVADOR AMEZQUITA TRUJILLO

Salvador Amezquita Trujillo, age 52, passed away December 6.

Will be forever missed by loving family and friends.

Arrangements and visitation were held at Szykowny Funeral Home, 4901 S Archer Ave., Chicago. Jonathan F Siedlecki, Owner/Director. Funeral Mass was held at Parroquia San Juan Bautista, Chicago. Final resting place is St Casimir Cemetery To leave any tributes, please visit funeral home website at www.SzykownyFuneralHomeIL.com.

MICHAEL ANDREW WOOD

Michael Andrew Wood, age 72, of Chicago, Garfield Ridge community, passed away December 31 at Hines V.A. Hospital. U.S. Marine Corp Vietnam Veteran.

He was the beloved husband of Linda Wood; loving father of Michael Wood Jr. and former father-in-law of Kelly Wood; proud grandfather of Mia and Brandon Wood; dear brother of Billy (Regina) Wood and the late Anna (Tom) Walsh and the late Harry Wood; fond nephew of Peggy Murray. Michael will be remembered fondly by his many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Per his wishes, Michael will be cremated, and his cremains will be interred at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery at a later date. Condolences may be sent to Michael’s family on his personal tribute website at www.foranfuneralhome.com.

IRENAEUS ZAK

Irenaeus Zak, age 85, of Chicago, Archer Heights community. United States Army Veteran.

Beloved husband of 50 year to Alina Zak (nee Bozentka); loving father of Delilah and Ramona Zak; cherished grandfather of Braedan, Ella and Ada; dear brother of Teresa (the late Andrzej) Wojdelski and Elizabeth Zak; dearly loved by his nieces, nephews and many friends.

Visitation was held January 2 at Zarzycki Manor Chapels, 5088 S. Archer Ave., corner of Keeler. Funeral was held January 3 from the funeral home to the church of St. Bruno for Mass. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. Member of St. Bruno Ushers 773-767-2166 or www.ZarzyckiManorChapels.com.