Obituaries March 30, 2023
ANGELA ANNOLINO-BONK
Angela Annolino-Bonk, age 61, passed away February 10.
Beloved wife of Raymond Bonk; cherished daughter of the late Bettie and the late John Annolino Jr.; dear sister of the late John Annolino III (Martha), Catherine Annolino, Patricia (Wayne) Smith, Joann Ferrell and Dawn (Phil) Munoz; auntie grandma of Jordan and Noah Fecarotta; dearest aunt of Jake Annolino, Tina Herman, Angelic Chavez, Harry Jonas, Jillian Smith, Steven Smith, John Fecarotta, Jessica Ferrell, Lisa Munoz and Eric Munoz. Also survived by great-nieces, great-nephews, relatives and friends.
Visitation was held February 17 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held February 18, Service and Time of Remembrance held at the funeral home. Interment, Resurrection Cemetery, Justice. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.
STEPHANIE N BRITO
Stephanie N Brito, age 35, passed away March 1.
Will be forever missed by loving family and friends.
Visitation and Chapel Service was held at Szykowny Funeral Home, 4901 S Archer Ave, Chicago. Jonathan F Siedlecki, Owner/Director. Final resting place is Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Hillside. To leave any tributes, please visit funeral home website at www.SzykownyFuneralHomeIl.com.
MARIA CARRILLO
Maria Carrillo (nee Martinez), age 85, passed away March 19.
Beloved wife and best friend of 70 years to the late Jose Carrillo; loving mother of Nicolas Carrillo, Lucia Perez, Maria Pagliuca, Meliton Carrillo, Jose Carrillo, Anselmo Carrillo, Modesto Carrillo, Lupe Carrillo and Irene Carrillo; dearest grandmother of 28; great grandmother of 28; fond sister of Petra Tremillo and Francisca Martinez; aunt of many nieces and nephews.
Visitation was held March 22 at Zarzycki Manor Chapels, Ltd., 5088 S. Archer Ave., corner of Keeler. Funeral was held March 23 from the funeral home to the Church of St. Johns Polish National Church for Mass. Interment St. Mary Cemetery. 773-767-2166 or www.ZarzyckiManorChapels.com.
ROSEMARY CUMMINS
Rosemary Cummins, age 85, of Chicago, Garfield Ridge community, passed away at home March 15.
Beloved mother of Frank (Gina) Urbanski, Michael (Nancy) Fitzpatrick, John Brandt, the late David Urbanski and late Carol Ann Karahalios; dearest grandmother of Sarah Brandt, Ziad Abizur, Jeanine Urbanski and Ericka Wilcox; dear Mother-in-law of Nelda Cruz Brandt; dear sister of Bernie Sherburn, Lisa (Tommy) Syers, the late Michele Jacobsen and the late Sandra Copeland. Loving aunt and friend to many.
Visitation was held March 21 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave. (55th street just west of Harlem). A Service officiated by Pastor David Bauer was held at the funeral home. Procession from the funeral home to Chapel Hill Garden South Cemetery where Rosemary was laid to rest. Condolences may be sent to Rosemary’s family on her personal tribute website at www.foranfuneralhome.com.
MADDALENA DiGANGI
Maddalena DiGangi (nee Allegro), age 96, of Homer Glen, formerly of Chicago, Archer Heights community, passed away March 19.
Beloved wife of the late Lorenzo DiGangi; loving mother of Josephine and Domenica DiGangi and the late Maria Puleo; dear grandmother of Paul (Bernadette) Puleo, Jennifer (Ubaldo) Montalto and Laura Puleo; cherished great grandmother of Nathan, Evan, Ofelia and Lorenzo; dear sister of Maria (late Giovanni) Lupo; fond sister-in-law of Maria (late Giuseppe) Allegro, Antonio (Antonietta) DiGangi and Josephine DiGangi; dearest aunt, great aunt and great great aunt of many nieces and nephews.
Visitation was held March 22 until time of services at Zarzycki Manor Chapels, Ltd., 8999 S. Archer Avenue, Willow Springs. Interment Fairmount Willow Hills Memorial Park. 708-839-8999 www.ZarzyckiManorChapels.com.
HILDEGARDE R. DVORAK
Hildegarde R. “Hilde” Dvorak, of Shorewood, formerly of Chicago, Garfield Ridge community, graced this earth for 102 years and passed away March 17.
Beloved wife of the late John S. Dvorak; loving mother of the late Diane (late Robert) Kostelecky and Joanne Flannery; cherished grandmother of Kathleen Flannery, Vanessa Kostelecky (Kevin) Cowhey, Debra Flannery, Kevin Kostelecky and Shannon Flannery (Brendan) Holmes; great grandmother to Ryan, Daniel and Mia Cowhey and Trevor Karnehm and Jimmy, Colin and Joey Holmes.
Visitation was held March 24 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 West Archer Ave. (55th street just west of Harlem) until time of Prayers. Procession from the funeral home to St. Daniel the Prophet Church for a Mass of Christian burial. Hildegarde was laid to rest at Resurrection Cemetery next to her dear husband. Condolences may be sent to Hilde’s family on her personal tribute website at www.foranfuneralhome.com.
RAYMOND W. DYBALA
Raymond W. Dybala, age 85, of Burr Ridge, former longtime resident of Chicago, Garfield Ridge community passed away March 16. Army Veteran.
He married his true love, MaryAnn (nee Czyzewski), they were devoted to each other for 57 years. Loved and cherished father of Kimberly (Michael) Cahill and Philip Dybala; proud grandfather of Justin Cahill and Veronica Cahill; dear brother-in-law of Bernadine and Ron Lowell, Georgianne (late Thomas) Czyzewski and the late Edward Czyzewski. Raymond will be missed by his nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Visitation was held March 23 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 West Archer Ave. (55th street just west of Harlem). Family and friends met March 24 at St. John the Cross Catholic Church, 5005 Wolf Road, Western Springs. Visitation at the church until time of Mass. Procession from the church to Resurrection Cemetery where Raymond was laid to rest. Condolences may be sent to Ray’s family on his personal tribute website at www.foranfuneralhome.com.
RICHARD “RICK” JOHN GIBA
Richard “Rick” John Giba, 74, passed into eternal life January 23, 2023.
Richard is survived by his wife Barbara (née Frangesh), his children Michael and Kathryn, and dearest grandfather to Donovan Giba. He is also survived by brothers Ted (Mary) and Dennis (Halina). Richard is the middle son – second born – of John and Helen Giba, both deceased of Berwyn. He was a fond uncle and friend to many.
Rick was a dedicated member of the Air Force and the Illinois National Guard. He piloted the KC-135 refueling aircraft, served in administration, and retired from the military as a colonel in 1999.
After the Air Force, he settled in South Berwyn, where he and Barbara raised their family. His final retirement home was in Wonder Lake.
Rick’s retirement years were devoted to helping others – friends and family – as well as participating in group travels to spiritual sights internationally.
Richard was loved and endeared himself to all he met. If you had a problem or concern, he would offer to help without fail. His death was sudden.
A Memorial Mass will be said Saturday, April 15, 2023, at noon at St. Joseph Church, 4801 Main Street, Downers Grove. A private military inurnment at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood will be held at a later date.
Arrangements and guest book through Adams-Winterfield & Sullivan Funeral Home, Downers Grove. For information, call 630-968-1000 or visit www.adamswinterfieldsullivan.com.
GRACE GRUCHALSKI
Grace Gruchalski, (nee Chojnowska), age 66, passed away March 19.
Loving mother of Erik (Bernadette) Gruchalski and Adam Gruchalski; dearest grandmother of Emilia and Anthony; dear sister of Ela (late Donald) Maestaz and Renata (late Kazimierz) Gostomska; cherished aunt of Malwina Caban, Marcin and Erwin Gostomski.
Visitation was held March 22 at Zarzycki Manor Chapels, Ltd., 8899 S. Archer Ave., Willow Springs. Funeral was held March 23 from the funeral home to Our Lady, Mother of the Church for Mass. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. 708-839-8999 or www.ZarzyckiManorChapels.com.
STEVEN LARSON
Steven Larson, age 60, passed away March 3.
Beloved son of the late Ruth and Carl Larson; loving brother of Laura Oviedo; father of Jennifer (Tom) Raines, Steven (Amber) Larson, Jaclyn (Ryan) Kolk and late Michael; grandfather, uncle, and friend of many.
Visitation and Chapel Service were held at Szykowny Funeral Home, 4901 S Archer Ave. Chicago, Jonathan F Siedlecki, Owner/Director. Cremation private. To leave any tributes to Steven, please visit the funeral home website at www.SzykownyFuneralHomeIL.com.
VIOLA M. PALIS
Viola M. Palis (nee Hrabe), age 94, of Brookfield, passed away peacefully at home March 21.
Wife of the late Leonard N. for 56 years; loving mother of David Palis, Leonard J. Palis, John (Erin Palmer) Palis, and Marie (Steven) Storter; loving grandmother of Nicholas Storter, Katie Storter, Mitchell Storter, and Forrest Palis; sister of the late Mary (Charles) Karnik and late Lillian (Donald) Mansfield.
Visitation was held March 24 and March 25 at Hitzeman Funeral Home, 9445 W. 31 St Street, Brookfield. Funeral Mass was held March 25 at St. Louise de Marillac Church, 1144 Harrison Ave., LaGrange Park. Interment at Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, masses appreciated. 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 Viola Palis Family. We will gladly forward it on to the family.
ROBERT ROCHE SR.
Robert Roche Sr., age 87, passed away February 11. US Navy Veteran.
Beloved husband of the late Bernice (nee Thornton) Roche; loving father of the late Caroline Roche, Lisa Roche, Diane (the late Tyson) Williams, Laura Roche, Amy (Jimmy) Burton, Robert Jr. (Mary) Roche and Scott Roche; dearest grandfather and great-grandfather of many; cherished son of the late Ruth (nee Rabe) and the late William Roche; dear brother of Sue Feiner, Milly (the late Art) Soyring, Edith (Vince) Danapilis, Dorothy (the late Frank) Huerta, Lucy (Jim) Hitz, Richard (Carol) Roche, the late Patricia (the late Tom) Morris, Alice (the late Ron) Witkowski, the late Ruth (the late Eugene) Springsteen, the late Eileen Roche and the late Tom (Patricia) Roche. Also survived by nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Visitation was held February 18 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Cremation rites to be accorded. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.
JACKIE “COTTON” TED SMITH, SR.
Jackie “Cotton” Ted Smith, Sr., age 77, of Plainfield, formerly Darien, passed away on February 11.
Devoted husband of the late Nellie Geneva Smith (nee Casey); loving father, cherished “Papaw” and dear brother. He is survived by his sons, Jack Jr, (Jen) Smith, and Jim (Anna) Smith; grandchildren, Kyle Smith, Abby Smith, Maddie Janis, Matthew Smith, Tori Smith, and Nathan Smith; sisters Betty (Lon) Fairchild, Kathy (the late Billy) Travis, and Linda Gail Smith, brother-in-law James (Mary Lou) Casey; and many nieces, nephews, and dear close friends. He was preceded in death by his late parents Leland and Maxie Smith, his brothers and sisters, Shirley (Howard) Fisher, Billy Joe (the late Maggie Ann) Smith, Lon (the late Earnestine) Smith, and Tommy Smith; and brothers in-law and sisters-in-law Robert (the late Genevieve) Casey, Rosa (the late Green) Arvin, Clarence (Brenda) Casey, Minnie (the late Hank) Wright and Ben Jr. (Terri) Casey. Lastly, his close friends who he thought of as family, the late Ralph (Peggy) Muncy and their children the late Pam, Mike (Rosa), and Jason (Veronica).
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital would be appreciated. Visitation was held February 16 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held February 17, Service and Time of Remembrance were held at the funeral home. Interment, Bethania Cemetery, Justice. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.
NANCY M. TARKA
Nancy M. Tarka (nee Dziuba), 75, of Orland Park, passed away on March 22.
She was the beloved wife of the late Wayne Tarka; cherished sister of Ralph (Rosemary) Dziuba and Latti Hansen; dearest aunt of Richard (Kim) Dziuba, Daniel Dziuba and Joseph (Lisa) Dziuba, Michael (Lisa) Hansen and Kathy Tan.
Funeral services were held March 28 from Palos-Gaidas Funeral Home, 11028 Southwest Hwy., Palos Hills to St. Alexander Church. Interment private.
For information or to express your condolences, visit www.palosgaidasfh.com or call 708-974-4410
BEATRICE T. VEGA
Beatrice T. Vega (nee Tellez), age 85, of Chicago, McKinley Park community, passed away peacefully March 10.
Beloved wife of Jose Vega; loving mother of Delia (Jesus) Lopez, Mario (Esther) Vega, Cecilia (Anthony) Garcia, Alicia (Sofia) Vega, Beatrice Vega (Dario Garcia), the late Armando (Rene) Vega and the late Jose Carlos Vega; dear grandmother of Angelica Lopez, Sergio Lopez, Sonia Lopez, Enrique Lopez, Mario Vega, Sarina Vega, Jose Vega, Anthony (Suzie) Garcia Jr., Ali (Sarah) Hasan, Maxwell Garcia, Mercedez Garcia, Delfino Garcia, Keith ( Jessica) Coughlin, Armando Vega Jr., Selia (Kelvin) Taylor, Amanda (Jonathan) Kuehne, Felicia Chovanec and Jacob Vega; great grandmother of many.
Visiation was held March 17 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave. (55th street just west of Harlem). Visitation at the funeral home March 18 until time of Prayers. Procession from the funeral home to Blessed Sacrament Parish for a Mass of Christian Burial. Beatrice was laid to rest at St. Mary Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to Beatrice’s family on her personal tribute website at www.foranfuneralhome.com.
Local News
Tax exemptions will be automatic, Kaegi says
Spread the loveFrom staff reports In response to the ongoing pandemic, the Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi’s office will continue the automatic renewal of the Senior Freeze, Veterans with Disabilities and Persons with Disabilities Exemptions. The Homeowner and Senior Exemptions will continue to auto-renew every year. If a homeowner received any of these five exemptions…
Oak Lawn officials rip governor, legislators over crime
Spread the loveBy Joe Boyle Two Oak Lawn officials are calling for Gov. J.B. Pritzker and local legislators to re-evaluate a police reform law that they say has resulted in a rise in crime. Trustee Alex Olejniczak (2nd) served as mayor pro-tem during the Oak Lawn Village Board meeting Tuesday night in place of Mayor Terry Vorderer,…
Troop 1441 Scout earns Eagle rank
Spread the loveFrom staff reports A journey that began years ago for Adrian Ayala recently culminated in Boy Scouting’s highest honor. Ayala, a member of Boy Scout Troop 1441 (sponsored by the St. Mary Star of the Sea Holy Name Society) was honored at an Eagle ceremony at Duggan Hall on Jan. 13. The Eagle rank…
Hog Wild to open Monday in Oak Lawn
Spread the loveBy Kelly White Dining choices will get a boost in Oak Lawn with the arrival of Hog Wild. The restaurant is scheduled to open Monday, January 17, at 4040 W. 111th St. That’s a week later than originally scheduled. “We are very fortunate here in Oak Lawn to have attracted Hog Wild,” Oak…
Home security cameras could be big help to Orland cops
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Residents of Orland Park could have a hand in solving crime in the village. The board of trustees unanimously approved to move forward with a voluntary security camera registration program at its Jan. 4 meeting. It’s expected to start on Feb. 1. This program gives citizens and businesses a chance…
Ailing eagle on the mend
Spread the loveSeveral blocks northwest of Garfield Ridge—just west of 47th and Harlem–motorists late last month noticed an eagle flying low and acting erratically. The Villa Park-based Chicago Bird Collision Monitors was contacted, and its volunteers found and captured the majestic bird. It was transported to a facility owned and operated by Glen Ellyn-based Willowbrook…
Can’t we just fast-forward to spring?
Spread the loveBy Joan Hadac Your correspondent in Clearing and Garfield Ridge (708) 496-0265 • joan.hadac@gmail.com Hi everyone. Is it spring yet? Is the pandemic over yet? Not that I’m impatient or anything. I want to move forward past all the negative COVID-19 has brought to my life and everyone else’s life. I want to see…
Scavenger Sale different this year, Pappas says
Spread the loveFrom staff reports Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas’ 2022 Scavenger Sale will look different, as the Treasurer’s Office takes steps to help small developers, homeowners and investors rebuild neighborhoods and create generational wealth. Under Illinois law, the Treasurer’s Office is required to conduct a Scavenger Sale every two years, offering at auction the…
Neighbors
Cicadas in the park in Palos Park
Spread the loveBy Kelly White Cicadas are coming and the Village of Palos Park is ready. The village hosted its 31st annual Arbor Day Celebration on Sunday, May 5, themed, “The Wonder of Trees” at The Center in the Lodge, 12700 Southwest Highway, with featured speaker, Tricia Bethke of The Morton Arboretum who presented, “Cicadas…
Palos Heights SD 128 sees enrollment boom
Spread the loveBy Kelly White Over the past few years, Palos Heights School District 128 has experienced an explosive growth among incoming students. There has been a significant increase particularly at Indian Hill Early Learning Center, 12800 S. Austin Ave. Chippewa Elementary School, 12425 S. Austin Ave; Navajo Elementary School, 12401 S. Oak Park Ave;…
Comings & Goings: Orange’s Pancake House now open in Palos Heights
Spread the loveBy Kelly White Palos Heights is the home of a popular new breakfast café. Orange’s Pancake House, 11845 Southwest Highway, held a ribbon-cutting event on April 18. Owners, Elvia Briones, of Virgina, and Fernando Cruz, of Evergreen Park, said they were very excited to be in the heart of the Palos Heights community.…
Sisters make Chicago Lawn a world destination
Spread the love. Kathy Headley Your correspondent in Chicago Lawn and Marquette Manor 6610 S. Francisco • (773) 776-7778 . Earlier this month was the Fifth Lithuanian Documentary Film Festival, with distinguished guests from Lithuania and other parts of the United States visiting the neighborhood. They held a photo session in the editorial office of…
Happy Mother’s Day to everyone, everyone
Spread the love. By Mary Stanek Your correspondent in Archer Heights and West Elsdon 3808 W. 57th Place • (773) 517-7796 . Yet another Mother’s Day is upon us. I wish everyone a happy day. By everyone I do mean everyone. There are a lot of dads who do it alone, along with important mother…
Mother’s Day is truly a day to be celebrated
Spread the love. Peggy Zabicki Your correspondent in West Lawn 3633 W. 60th Place • (773) 504-9327 . Mother’s Day happens on Sunday, May 12. If this isn’t something to celebrate, I don’t know what is. Motherhood means new life, new beginnings, new possibilities. Even if you won’t be seeing your mom, you can still…
Saint Xavier men’s volleyball finishes historic season in nation’s top 4
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Correspondent The Saint Xavier men’s volleyball team made history by advancing to the semifinals of the NAIA Men’s Volleyball National Championship. But the Cougars fell to eventual national champion Georgetown (Kentucky), 25-21, 25-23, 22-25, 21-25, 15-10, on May 3 at Alliant Energy PowerHouse in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Although there was…
St. Francis first baseman Nate Maliska earns conference POW honors
Spread the loveBy Mike Walsh Correspondent The University of St. Francis sophomore first baseman Nate Maliska was chosen the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference’s Player of the Week in baseball for April 7. In helping the Saints to four wins that week, Maliska went 9-for-15 (.600) with eight RBI and seven runs scored. The St. Laurence…