
Obituaries February 23, 2023
RUDOLPH “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.
ROBERT W. DE YOUNG
Robert 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.
AMANDA 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.
SUSAN 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.
THOMAS 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.
GABRIELA 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.
HARRY 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
MARY 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.
LUCI 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.
RICHARD 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.
CIANAIN “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
Richard 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.
LYNN 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.
XAVIER ZARAGOZA
Xavier 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.
Local News

Area Sports Report | Stagg flag football coach invited to Super Bowl
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Staff Writer Saja Alnajjar said she became a football fan growing up, and one of the first games she watched was Super Bowl XLI between the Chicago Bears and Indianapolis Colts in February 2007. Little did she know then that she would someday be a football coach. And little did…

College Report | SXU beats Trinity in battle of interim coaches
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Staff writer It was a battle featuring two interim coaches on the sidelines. Both Saint Xavier and Trinity Christian College had to find women’s basketball coaches roughly a month before the start of practice this season, and the athletic departments went to work. SXU hired assistant coach Sidney Lovitsch as…

Girls Hoops Wrap | Oak Lawn sees a lot in first 10 games
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Staff Writer Oak Lawn’s girls basketball team beat Lindblom 64-14 on Dec. 9. The Spartans also lost a game 52-18 against Wheaton North on Nov. 24. They have just about seen it all while compiling a 6-4 record to open the season. Close games. Blowouts. But they entered this week…

Unbeaten Oak Lawn edges Evergreen Park on late free throws
Spread the loveBy Xavier Sanchez Correspondent Oak Lawn forward Henry Martinez has long thought about playing for the Spartans. Martinez is not only playing for them, but he is also becoming a key contributor for an Oak Lawn team that entered this week unbeaten. His 20-point performance and some clutch free-throws were instrumental in maintaining…

Justice lights village Christmas trees
Spread the loveBy Carol McGowan Justice village officials spent a few minutes before their board meeting last week to celebrate the holiday season by lighting the village Christmas tree and other decorated trees in front of the village hall. Mayor Kris Wasowicz lit the tree and wished everyone a wonderful holiday season. After the tree…

Consultant backs Willow Springs on zoning of LTHS parcel
Spread the loveBy Steve Metsch All for one and one for all was the theme of last week’s community meeting held at the Willow Springs Village Hall. Concerned residents, politicians from the village and surrounding communities joined in their opposition to any industrial development of a parcel of land in the village owned by the…

2 men charged in shooting of Bedford Park cop
Spread the loveBy Bob Bong A Blue Island man was charged last week with attempted murder in the shooting of a Bedford Park police officer in the early morning hours of November 26. Raul Perez, 24, of Blue Island, was charged with one count of attempted first degree murder of a police officer, one count…

Cool Kids see Santa
Spread the love. Several dozen special-needs boys and girls were let in early at the Midway Chamber of Commerce’s annual Snack With Santa, held earlier this month at Mayfield Banquets. The special time was the brainchild of the Midway Cool Kids Club, a social club founded earlier this year by Geno Randazzo of All Exterior…

Palos 118 school board member honored for continued learning
Spread the lovePam Paris, a member of the Palos School District 118 Board of Education, has been recognized by the Illinois Association of School Boards for her participation in a number of professional development and leadership activities during her service as a school board member. IASB recognizes school board members who show a dedication and desire to learn more about local school governance, adding to their leadership skills, knowledge of state and national educational issues, and commitment to serving in trust of their community and their students. Paris acquired 40 credits to earn IASB’s Board Leader Recognition status. Because of Paris’ ongoing…
Neighbors

Area Sports Report | Stagg flag football coach invited to Super Bowl
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Staff Writer Saja Alnajjar said she became a football fan growing up, and one of the first games she watched was Super Bowl XLI between the Chicago Bears and Indianapolis Colts in February 2007. Little did she know then that she would someday be a football coach. And little did…

College Report | SXU beats Trinity in battle of interim coaches
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Staff writer It was a battle featuring two interim coaches on the sidelines. Both Saint Xavier and Trinity Christian College had to find women’s basketball coaches roughly a month before the start of practice this season, and the athletic departments went to work. SXU hired assistant coach Sidney Lovitsch as…

Girls Hoops Wrap | Oak Lawn sees a lot in first 10 games
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Staff Writer Oak Lawn’s girls basketball team beat Lindblom 64-14 on Dec. 9. The Spartans also lost a game 52-18 against Wheaton North on Nov. 24. They have just about seen it all while compiling a 6-4 record to open the season. Close games. Blowouts. But they entered this week…

Unbeaten Oak Lawn edges Evergreen Park on late free throws
Spread the loveBy Xavier Sanchez Correspondent Oak Lawn forward Henry Martinez has long thought about playing for the Spartans. Martinez is not only playing for them, but he is also becoming a key contributor for an Oak Lawn team that entered this week unbeaten. His 20-point performance and some clutch free-throws were instrumental in maintaining…

Justice lights village Christmas trees
Spread the loveBy Carol McGowan Justice village officials spent a few minutes before their board meeting last week to celebrate the holiday season by lighting the village Christmas tree and other decorated trees in front of the village hall. Mayor Kris Wasowicz lit the tree and wished everyone a wonderful holiday season. After the tree…

Consultant backs Willow Springs on zoning of LTHS parcel
Spread the loveBy Steve Metsch All for one and one for all was the theme of last week’s community meeting held at the Willow Springs Village Hall. Concerned residents, politicians from the village and surrounding communities joined in their opposition to any industrial development of a parcel of land in the village owned by the…

2 men charged in shooting of Bedford Park cop
Spread the loveBy Bob Bong A Blue Island man was charged last week with attempted murder in the shooting of a Bedford Park police officer in the early morning hours of November 26. Raul Perez, 24, of Blue Island, was charged with one count of attempted first degree murder of a police officer, one count…

Cool Kids see Santa
Spread the love. Several dozen special-needs boys and girls were let in early at the Midway Chamber of Commerce’s annual Snack With Santa, held earlier this month at Mayfield Banquets. The special time was the brainchild of the Midway Cool Kids Club, a social club founded earlier this year by Geno Randazzo of All Exterior…

Palos 118 school board member honored for continued learning
Spread the lovePam Paris, a member of the Palos School District 118 Board of Education, has been recognized by the Illinois Association of School Boards for her participation in a number of professional development and leadership activities during her service as a school board member. IASB recognizes school board members who show a dedication and desire to learn more about local school governance, adding to their leadership skills, knowledge of state and national educational issues, and commitment to serving in trust of their community and their students. Paris acquired 40 credits to earn IASB’s Board Leader Recognition status. Because of Paris’ ongoing…