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Obituaries February 23, 2023

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CordovaRUDOLPH “DINO” CORDOVA

Rudolph “Dino” Cordova, 66, passed away January 25.

Cherished son of the late Eva (nee Garcia) and the late Juventino Cordova; loving brother of Joel Cordova, Daniel (Iliana) Cordova, Betty (Joe) Munoz, Abigail (Daniel) Hernandez, Juventino Jr. (Maria de la Luz) Cordova, Monica (Elias) Rodriguez, Moises Cordova and the late Benjamin (Cheryl) Cordova. Also survived by many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Cremation rites have been accorded and services held privately. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.

DeYoungROBERT W. DE YOUNG

images REPORTER EXTRA ART Am Flag copyRobert W. De Young, 77, passed away February 6.

He was an Army veteran.

Beloved husband of Elaine (nee Wiencek); loving brother of the late Kenneth (Patricia) De Young; dear uncle of Kenneth Jr. (Shilo) De Young and Kerri (Michael) White; great uncle of Delani, Brady and Bryce. Fond cousin to many.

Visitation was February 10 at the Richard-Midway Funeral Home, 5749 Archer Ave., Chicago. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. For more information, call 773-767-1840.

DillavouAMANDA DILLAVOU

Amanda Dillavou, 32, passed away on January 27.

Cherished daughter of Tina and Richard; loving sister of Nicole Szymendera, Ashley, Tori and Tia; dear granddaughter of Rita Foley-Szymendera and Susie Moon Chang; fond aunt of Abbigail and Austin. Also survived by aunts, uncles, cousins, relatives and friends.

Visitation was February 2 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was February 2 at the funeral home. Cremation rites to be accorded. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifuneralhomes.com.

DwanSUSAN DWAN

Susan M. Dwan, 73, of Crest Hill, formerly of Summit, passed away peacefully at home January 27.

Loving mother of Robbin (Scott) Johnstone and Steven Summers; cherished daughter of the late Evelyn Lambert and the late Dr. Francis and the late Dolores Dwan; dear sister of Rocelyn (late Michael) Gelina and the late Dr. Francis Dwan. Fond aunt of many nieces and nephews. Susan will be dearly missed by her longtime childhood friends, Donna Sawka, Paula Engelbrecht, Mary Jo Black and Ann Marie Fredrick.

A Memorial Visitation in Celebration of Susan’s Life was held February 2 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave. in Summit. Condolences may be sent to Susan’s family on her personal tribute website at www.foranfuneralhome.com.

FranzTHOMAS J. FRANZ

Thomas J. Franz, 61, passed away January 26.

Beloved husband to Phyllis Bechtold; preceded in death by his parents Christian and Elaine Franz (nee Mickus) and brother Christian Franz. Beloved brother of Carol Carson (late husband Ernie), William Franz, Cindy Martin (Rich); dear brother-in-law to Marybeth Leonard (Greg), Erica Burgess (Edmund); loving uncle to Denise (Mike), Amy, Jennifer (Usama), Rachael (James) and Aleks (Christopher) and great uncle to many. Tommy will be missed by his furry children Cooper and Molly.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Kidney Fund are appreciated.

Visitation was February 1 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was February 1 at the funeral home. Cremation rites have been accorded. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.

GomezGABRIELA GOMEZ

Gabriela Gomez (nee Tinajero), 92, passed away January 28.

Beloved wife of the late Juvenal Gomez; dearest mother of the late Josefina (Carmelo) Gabriel, the late Bertin (Blanca) Gomez, the late Jose Luis Gomez, Gricelda (Juan) Martinez, Jose (the late Alma) Gomez, Juvenal (Marivel) Gomez, Maria (Martin) Dominguez, Pedro (Rocio) Gomez, Juan (Rita) Gomez and Gabriela Sontoyo. Lovingly survived by numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Cherished daughter of the late Josefa (nee Jimenez) and the late Fortino Tinajero. Also survived by many relatives and friends.

Visitation was January 31 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was February 1 at Saint Albert the Great Church, 8029 S. Central Avenue, Burbank. Interment at Resurrection Cemetery, Justice. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.

GruenwaldHARRY GRUENWALD

Harry Gruenwald, 66, of Chicago’s Brighton Park community, passed away February 2.

Devoted son of the late Meta Hilda Gruenwald (nee Plienius) and the late Albert Gruenwald; loving brother of Guenther, the late Richard (Yibing) and the late Benny Gruenwald; dear uncle of Nicole, Candice and the late Theodore; dearly loved by many cousins and family.

Visitation and funeral were held February 6 at Zarzycki Manor Chapels Ltd., 5088 S. Archer Avenue,Chicago. Interment Bethania Cemetery.

For information, 773-767-2166 or www.ZarzyckiManorChapels.com

LitynskiMARY LITYNSKI

Mary Litynski, 97, of Chicago’s Garfield Ridge community, passed away peacefully January 26.

Mary was a survivor of the Auschwitz concentration camp.

She was the beloved wife of the late Stanley Litynski; loving mother of Zbigniew (Genevieve) Litynski, George (Maria) Litynski and the late Richard (Michelle) Litynski; dear grandmother of 8 and great grandmother of many.

Visitation was at St. Daniel the Prophet Church on February 3 until time of Celebration of Mass. Procession from the church to Resurrection Cemetery where Mary was laid to rest with her dear husband. Condolences may be sent to Mary’s family on her personal tribute website at www.foranfuneralhome.com.

PalumboLUCI PALUMBO

Luci Palumbo (nee Stanek), 55, of Orland Park, passed away January 27.

She was the beloved wife of Ronald; loving mother of Giana and Dominic; cherished daughter of Wanda and the late Roy Stanek; treasured sister of Alan Stanek, Lynn (Tim) Andersen, Lori Vacchiano and Gary (Kimbra) Stanek. Dear aunt of many nieces and nephews.

A memorial visitation was held February 1 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave. in Summit. Family and friends met February 2 at Two Holy Martyrs Parish, St. Symphorosa Church for Mass. Condolences may be sent to Luci’s family on her personal tribute website at www.foranfuneralhome.com.

RichkusRICHARD R. RICHKUS

Richard R. Richkus, 69, passed away February 6.

Beloved husband to Donna (nee Dunaj) for 29 years; loving father of Ellen Richkus and Thomas Macke; dear brother of Frank Jr., James (Joann), the late Robert and the late Roseanne (Milton) Watson; fond uncle of Christopher, Jennifer, James and Lauren; great uncle to Chase. Adoring pet father of Queenie.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Greyhounds Only Inc., 539 W. Roosevelt Road #1003, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137 or www.greyhoundsonly.com.

Visitation was February 13. Funeral was  February 14 from the Richard-Midway Funeral Home, 5749 Archer Ave., Chicago, to St. Faustina Kowalska Church for mass. Interment St. Casimir Cemetery. For more information, please call 773-767-1840 or www.richardmidwayfh.com.

RickardCIANAIN “KEN” RICKARD

Cianain “Ken” Rickard, 88, of Winfield, passed away January 27, surrounded by his family.

Son of Jack and Anne (Flood) Rickard; husband to Johanna “Joan” (O’Brien) father of loving children; Julia (Mike) Staisiunas, Sean (Margaret Ryndak) (late Diane) Rickard, the late Keenan Rickard (Chris [Steve Daily]), Donna (Dave) Hornik, Paul (Mary) Rickard, Joan (Roger) Fox, and the late Nancy Rickard. He loved and cherished his grandchildren, Brian, Eric (Stephanie Blood), and Kevin (Corwin Thompson) Staisiunas, Matt Rickard (Emily Ellis), Patrick Ryndak, Kaitlin and Bridgette Rickard (Tony Gust), Delia (Marcus Nuccio) and Diana Hornik, Madeline and Kathleen Rickard, Jean-Paul (Romina) Houed, and great grandchildren, Sylis, Kayden, and Graysen Staisiunas, Christopher and Haley Ramos, and Connor and Ryan Gust, as well as 11 brothers and sisters and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation was January 31 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave. in Summit. Procession from the funeral home to Two Holy Martyrs Parish, St. Symphorosa Church, 6135 S. Austin Ave., Chicago. Interment Resurrection Cemetery, Justice.

In lieu of flowers, consider donations to www.gardencenterservices.org.

Please offer your thoughts and condolences to Cianain’s “Ken” family on his personal tribute website, www.foranfuneralhome.com.

CECILIA M. SENDRA

Cecilia M. Sendra (nee Nowak), 93, passed away February 4.

Beloved wife of the late Joseph M. Sendra; loving mother of Anita (Richard) Hallman and Joseph (Mary Anne) Sendra; dear grandmother of Joseph Hallman, Anne and Laura Sendra;  dear sister of the late John (late Genevieve) Nowak, late Joseph Nowak, late Casimir Nowak, late Ted (Marge) Flowers and the late Mary (late Chester) Krawczyk. Fond aunt of many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations to The Mercy Home at www.MercyHome.org/mass would be appreciated.

Visitation was February 11 at the Richard-Midway Funeral Home, 5749 Archer Ave., Chicago. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. For more information, call 773-767-1840.

RICHARD SPIELMAN

images REPORTER EXTRA ART Am Flag copyRichard Spielman, 83, of Palos Hills, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on February 13.

Richard “Buddy” John Spielman was born on August 21,1939, to John and Bernice Spielman.

Buddy grew up on the South Side of Chicago. He graduated from Harper High School in 1957.

After graduation he joined the Army and served from 1958-1960. After being discharged from the Army, he joined the Chicago Police Department and was a police officer from 1962-1995.

Buddy met his wife Lynn in 1964 and they were married a year later. They have three children and five grandchildren. After retiring, Lynn and Buddy spent time gardening, traveling, and spending time with their family.

Buddy will always be remembered for his infectious smile, his sense of humor, and his love of nature.

Buddy was preceded in death by his parents John and Bernice Spielman. He is survived by his wife Lynn, his children James Spielman, Thomas (Lori) Spielman, and Pamela (Chad) Walker, and his grandchildren Thomas Walker, Kaitlyn Walker, Lina Spielman, Audra Spielman, and Julia Spielman.

Services were held at the Palos-Gaidas Funeral Home, 11028 Southwest Highway in Palos Hills. Interment was at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood.

WojdylaLYNN A. WOJDYLA

Lynn A. Wojdyla (nee Larsen), 76, of Chicago’s Garfield Ridge community, passed away February 1.

Beloved wife of Michael; loving mother of Tracey Malloy and Stacey (Danny) Sileo; cherished grandmother of Michael, Kristen, Kaylee, Abigail and Katelyn. Lynn was preceded in death by her parents, John and Harriet Larsen and her brother Dale.

Visitation was February 4 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave. in Summit. A Service in Celebration of Lynn’s life was held at the funeral home. Condolences may be sent to Lynn’s family on her personal tribute website at www.foranfuneralhome.com.

Zaragoza 1XAVIER ZARAGOZA

images REPORTER EXTRA ART Am Flag copyXavier Zaragoza, 74, passed away January 29.

He was a Marine Corps veteran of the Vietnam War.

Husband of Beatrice Zaragoza; loving father of Anthony (Diane) Garcia, Xavier Zaragoza, Jr. (Elsa Leon), Robert, Sr. (Monica) Zaragoza, David (Melissa) Zaragoza and the late Leticia Zaragoza; dear grandfather of Eric Zaragoza (Itzel Landin-Soto), Daniel (Stefanie) Rodriguez, Lisette Zaragoza, Zaria Zaragoza, David Zaragoza, II, Giovani Zaragoza, Xavier Zaragoza, III, Anthony Mendoza, Alysa Mendoza, Robert Zaragoza, Jr., Xavian Zaragoza, Monica Garcia, Anthony Garcia (Jackie Vargas) and Michael Garcia (Monique Cornelio); dear great-grandfather of Erza and Noel; dear brother of Esther (late Sergio) Garcia, Theresa (David) Anderson, Mary (Carl) Bangora, Martha Zaragoza and Stella (Victor) Rojo; uncle of many nieces and nephews.

Visitation was  February 16 at Zarzycki Manor Chapels, 8899 S. Archer Ave., Willow Springs. Funeral was February 17 at Sacred Heart Church for Mass. Interment Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery.  708-839-8999 or www.ZarzyckiManorChapels.com.

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Neighbors

The 14th annual District 1A Helen Keller 5k Fun Run/Walk proudly took place along at Harold L. Richard’s High School, 10601 Central Ave., Oak Lawn. (Photos by Kelly White)

Lions Club District 1A Helen Keller race draws big field

Spread the love

Spread the loveBy Kelly White The damp weather from overnight rain did not deter more than 100 people on Sunday morning from getting some exercise. The 14th annual District 1A Helen Keller 5k Fun Run/Walk proudly took place along at Harold L. Richard’s High School, 10601 Central Ave., Oak Lawn. “This is a really great…

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EPCHS students collect shoes for Christmas Without Cancer Sneaker Drive

Spread the love

Spread the loveFrom staff reports Students in Evergreen Park Community High School’s junior physical education leadership class teamed up with the non-profit organization Christmas Without Cancer to help local families battling the devastation of cancer. The class – taught by EPCHS physical education teacher Ree McDonald – helped gather donations for Christmas Without Cancer’s second…

Linda Michaels (from left), Cadet Dulce Lopez, Gale Shafer, and Kate Schneider. (Supplied photos)

Swallow Cliff Chapter, NSDAR, honors JROTC cadets

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Spread the loveFrom staff reports Swallow Cliff Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, participated in recent JROTC awards ceremonies held at Shepard High School in Palos Heights and Richards High School in Oak Lawn. The DAR JROTC award, consisting of a medal and certificate, was presented to Navy Cadet Emily Schrode at Richards…

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Spread the love

Spread the loveFrom staff reports A Chicago man was charged last week with child abduction and luring of a minor after Cook County Sheriff’s Police detectives found he attempted to lure a minor into his vehicle, said Cook County Sheriff Thomas J. Dart. According to police, about 4:43 p.m. on Monday, April 22, officers responded…

Worth Mayor Mary Werner looks at old photos of the Worth Public Library during the History of the Worth Library exhibit's opening night. (Photos by Kelly White)

Worth Library celebrates 60th anniversary

Spread the love

Spread the loveBy Kelly White The Worth Public Library has been around for decades. Resting in the heart of the village at 6917 W. 111th St., the library held an event focusing on its rich background story on April 23 with a historical photo exhibit. “It’s amazing because this library is still so important to…

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Rose Zubik, Woman’s Club veteran, installed as 3rd District president

Spread the love

Spread the love Rose Zubik, of Palos Heights, the new president of the 3rd District General Federation of Women’s Clubs-Illinois, lights a candle during the installation ceremony held April 27 at Fox’s Restaurant in Orland Park. Heather Linehan, the outgoing president, is beside her.By Dermot Connolly A longtime member of the Palos Heights Woman’s Club…

reporter chicago ridge police logo

Shots fired in Chicago Ridge Commons parking lot

Spread the love

Spread the loveFrom staff reports Shots were fired Wednesday night in the parking lot at Chicago Ridge Commons mall. Police said they received reports of the shooting about 9:45 p.m. No injuries were reported. Multiple witnesses told police four men were walking through the parking lot from the XSport Fitness area. They approached two vehicles…

Melissa Kowalski, owner of Flair With Hair Salon in Chicago Ridge, prepares to cut the ribbon to mark the first anniversary of the business on April 18 with the assistance of her daughter, Anastasia, 5. (Photos by Joe Boyle)

Hair salon with a ‘flair’ marks first year in Chicago Ridge

Spread the love

Spread the loveBy Joe Boyle Melissa Kowalski wanted to do something meaningful to mark the first-year anniversary of her Flair With Hair Salon in Chicago Ridge. “We did not have a grand opening last year so I wanted to do something really special,” Kowalski said. “We wanted to say thank you to our clients.” Kowalski,…

Gabriel Chowaniec, a fifth-grader at Palos East Elementary School, has been named a winner of the Scholastic Storyworks Magazine writing contest. (Supplied photo)

Palos East fifth-grader wins Scholastic Storyworks writing contest

Spread the love

Spread the loveGabriel Chowaniec, a fifth-grader at Palos East Elementary School, has been named a winner of the Scholastic Storyworks Magazine writing contest. Gabriel, who is a student in Cathy Casey’s fifth-grade classroom, was named one of only five winners nationally for the December 2023/January 2024 competition. Garbriel’s submission for the nonfiction story “The Shattered Land,” “showed a strong understanding of the text along with the ability to author a well-organized…

Shepard High School, 13049 S. Ridgeland Ave., Palos Heights, celebrated Autism Acceptance Week April 1 through April 5. (Supplied photos)

Shepard celebrates Autism Week

Spread the love

Spread the loveBy Kelly White World Autism Acceptance Week is organized by the National Autistic Society in the first week of April and aims to raise awareness about the challenges autistic people face across all areas of society. Not missing out the opportunity to celebrate all-inclusion was Shepard High School, 13049 S. Ridgeland Ave., Palos…