Obituaries May 18, 2023
HELEN R. ACCETTURO
Helen R. Accetturo (nee Budzak), 84, passed away May 8, at Symphony in Lincoln Park Nursing Home.
Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Irene and Jacob Budzak. She was the dearly beloved wife of the late Michael V. Accetturo. Cherished mother of Sister Mary Rose Accetturo, SFCC, Steven (Kim) Accetturo, the late James (Robyn) Accetturo and Michael (Doris) Accetturo; devoted grandmother of Joseph (Cindy) Accetturo, Thomas (Leeanne) Accetturo, Kathryn (Alan) Kuminkoski, Stephen Accetturo, Jennifer Accetturo, Cindy Accetturo, Gino Accetturo and Angelo Accetturo; proud great grandmother of Ryan, Chloe, Lucia, James, Eric, Johan, Elias and Grace. Dear sister of the late Edward Budzak.
A visitation, including prayer service was held May 13 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave., Summit. Procession to Resurrection Cemetery where Helen was laid to rest next to her beloved husband. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Sylvia, Helen’s caregiver, for years, and Katie, AccentCare Hospice, for the care and compassion they showed to Helen and her family.
JAMES A. BRIDGES SR.
James A. Bridges Sr., 88, passed away May 7.
Beloved husband for 57 years to the late Diana A. Bridges (nee Anderson); loving father of Judy Bridges-Green, James Bridges Jr., and Susan (Robert) Pattock; cherished grandfather of William (Trisha) Green, Daniel (Amanda) Green, Connor Madden, Alexandra Drobny, and Matthew Drobny; proud great-grandfather of Amber, Danny, Emilia, Rocky, and Lucas Green; dear brother of the late Leo Bridges, Ione Bridges-Chapman, AC Bridges, George Bridges, and Ron Bridges; dearest uncle of Barb (Dave) Whitis, Carolyn (Matt) Ronco, Greg (Caroline) Felten, Michael (Kimberly) Felten, and Lorrie (Roger) Cummings; fond brother-in-law of Linda (late Charles) Carlson.
Visitation was held May 13 until time of funeral service at Colonial Chapel, 15525 S. 73rd Avenue, Orland Park. Interment Orland Memorial Park Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to Lightways Hospice, 250 Water Stone Circle, Joliet, IL 60431 are appreciated. Express your thoughts and condolences at colonialchapel.com 708-532-5400.
JOAN M. CAMBALIK
Joan M. Cambalik (nee Michaels), 86, of North Riverside, passed away May 4.
Beloved wife of the late Robert M. Cambalik; loving mother of Lynn (the late Alan) Plica and David (Barbara) Cambalik; dear grandmother of Nicole (Nicholas) Conteduca, Kellie (Ruben) Villarreal, Elizabeth (Marc) Besteman, Keri (Mark) Schaefer, Robert (Katie Lukas) Cambalik; great-grandmother of Jax Villarreal, Harper Villarreal, Frankie Conteduca, Noah Villarreal, Adriana Conteduca, Siena Conteduca Lucas Schaefer and Niko Villarreal; sister of Donald (Judy) Michaels and Kenneth (Sharon) Michaels.
Visitation was held May 9 and May 10 to time of service at at Hitzeman Funeral Home Ltd., 9445 W. 31st Street, Brookfield. Funeral service followed. Interment Woodlawn Cemetery, Forest Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorials appreciated to a charity of your choice.
WILLIAM F. CODY
William F. Cody, 90, passed away on April 9.
He was Navy veteran.
Beloved husband of the late Esther Jean (nee Getz) Cody; loving father of William (Virginia) Cody, Debra (Kenneth) Casey, Kimberly (Anthony) Huladek, David Cody, Mark Cody and Jeanne (Sean) McCoy; dear grandfather of Dennis, Jason, Dana (Andrew), Jennifer, the late Baby Anthony, Anthony, Michael, William, Alexander, Cody, Kyle and Ally; dearest great-grandfather of Jaclyn, Mia, Ava, Adam, Isabella and Asher; treasured great-great-grandfather of Tyler and Tessa; cherished son of the late Frances (nee Matz) and the late William Cody. Loved by many brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews. Also survived by relatives and friends.
He was a proud lifetime member of the American Legion.
Visitation was held April 16 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held April 17 from the funeral home to Saint Bede the Venerable Church, Chicago, for Mass. Cremation rites to be accorded.
VERONICA “BABE” T. De PHILLIPS
Veronica “Babe” T. De Phillips (nee Cichoszewski), 98, of Lemont, formerly of the Garfield Ridge community, passed away May 3.
Married for 51 years to the love of her life, the late Benjamin Joseph. Devoted mother to Russell (Cindy) De Phillips, Tina (Thomas Jr.) Rouen, Kevin De Phillips and the late Brian (Marie) De Phillips; loving grandmother to Danielle (Michael) Bibelheimer, Christopher De Phillips, Jon (Allison) Hale and Sean De Phillips. Preceded in death by her parents, Michael and Victoria (nee Tomaszewski) Cichoszewski, her dear sister Dorothy Rockaitis and ten brothers and sisters, and her loving son Brian De Phillips. She will be fondly remembered by her many nieces, nephews and their children.
Visitation was held May 16 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave., Summit. Visitation was held May 17 from the funeral home to St. Daniel the Prophet Church for a Mass of Christian burial. Babe will be buried next to her dear husband at Resurrection Cemetery, Justice.
JASON A. EDWARDS
Jason A. Edwards, 47, of Chicago’s West Lawn community, passed away May 7.
Loving son of Daniel M. Edwards and the late Valerie T. (nee Barrios) Edwards; dearest brother of Craig M. and the late Christopher A. Edwards; dear cousin of James, Angelica, Paul Jr., Aurelio Jr., Alexander and Gina Allison, late John and late Jorge Miguel and many great cousins.
Visitation was held May 11 at Zarzycki Manor Chapels Ltd., 5088 S. Archer Ave., Chicago. Funeral was held May 12 from the funeral home to the Church of St. Procopius for Mass.
KAREN GOVEIA
Karen Goveia (nee Baricovich), 76, of Plainfield, formerly of Willow Springs, passed away May 4.
Beloved wife of Raymond Goveia; loving mother of Jeffrey Goveia, James (Karen) Goveia and Jon (Jean) Goveia; loving grandmother of Kyle, Grace, Quinn and Emme; devoted daughter of the late Evelyn (nee Laatz) and late Michael Baricovich; dear sister of Joan (Edward) Schoonveld; fondly loved by her sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Visitation was held May 12 at Zarzycki Manor Chapels Ltd., 8999 Archer Ave., Willow Springs. Visitation May 13 at Grace Lutheran Church, Willow Springs was followed by Services. Inurnment Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery.
MARCOS E. JIMENEZ
Marcos E. Jimenez passed away peacefully at home with his loving family at his side.
Cherished father of Ramon (Yanira) Jimenez, Cecelia Jimenez, Macario Jimenez, Pedro Jimenez, Lourdes Jimenez, Jesus Jimenez, Rebeca Jimenez and Maricela Jimenez. Much loved grandfather and great grandfather of many; dear brother of Lorenzo and Virginia and the late Maario and late Reymundo in Mexico. Marcos will be remembered fondly by his many nieces and nephews.
Visitation was held May 9 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave., Summit. Procession from the funeral home to Queen of Heaven Cemetery.
JOZEF KLIMEK
Jozef Klimek, 74, passed away April 10.
Beloved companion of Krystyna Cekus; loving father of Slawomir Klimek; cherished son of Bronislawa (nee Remiasz) and the late Wladyslaw Klimek; dear brother of Janina (Andrzej) Radecki, Wladyslaw (Jozefa) Klimek and Maria (the late Stanislaw) Nowobilski. Also survived by nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Visitation was held April 14 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held April 15 at Saint Fabian Church, 7450 W. 83rd Street, Bridgeview for Mass. Interment Resurrection Cemetery, Justice.
JOZEFA OCHENKOWSKI
Jozefa Ochenkowski (nee Barnas), 62, passed away April 9.
Beloved wife of the late Andrzej Ochenkowski; loving mother of Marta (the late Tadeusz) Wojtaszek; dearest grandmother of Emilia Wojtaszek; cherished daughter of the late Bronislawa (nee Dlugopolska) and the late Stanislaw Barnas; dear sister of Kazimiera (Jaroslaw) Lefanowicz, Andrzej (Stanislawa) Barnas and Maria (the late Stanislaw) Koltas-Szczechowicz. Also survived by nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Visitation was held April 12 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held April 13 from the funeral home to Saint Andrew the Apostle Church, 505 Kingston Drive, Romeoville for Mass. Interment, Resurrection Cemetery, Justice.
VIRGINIA LEE ORLICK
Virginia Lee Orlick, 95, longtime resident of Summit, passed away peacefully May 2 at Rosary Hill Home.
Beloved wife of the late Edward Orlick; loving daughter of the late George and late Estella Mae Taloff; dear sister of Helen Stamps, Donna Kissel, the late Nick Taloff, the late Paul Taloff, late Doris Vacchard, late Alva Taloff, late Harold Taloff and the late Anna Irene Taloff. Virginia will be remembered dearly by her many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
Visitation was held at Rosary Hill Home May 6. Procession from Rosary Hill Home to Fairmount Willow Hill Memorial Park where Virginia was laid to rest next to her beloved husband.
SUSAN J. SCHARMUKSCHNIS
Susan J. Scharmukschnis, 65, of Streator and formerly of Palos Heights, passed away May 11 at OSF Center for Health.
Susan was born on September 16, 1957, in Chicago, to Marvin and Jeannine (Bolser) Morey.
She married Rainer Scharmukschnis on December 4, 2015.
Survivors include her husband, Rainer Scharmukschnis, and brother, Joseph (Debra) Morey, of Bloomington. Susan was preceded in death by her parents.
She attended Palos East Elementary School in Palos Heights and graduated from Carl Sandburg High School in 1975 in Orland Park.
She formerly was a manager of many gas stations in the Palos Heights area.
Graveside services were held on Tuesday at the Chapel Hill Gardens South Cemetery in Oak Lawn.
Memorials may be directed to the Pet Project Animal Shelter.
Services were arranged by Winterrowd Funeral Home in Streator.
MARGARET “MIDGE” KATHERINE TASCHNER
Margaret “Midge” Katherine Taschner (nee Steinbach), 78, of LaGrange Park, passed away May 6.
Beloved wife of Manfred “Murph” Taschner; loving mother of Michele (John) Owen and Tracy (Jason) Klein; cherished grandmother of Regina Domer; fond sister of Cathy (the late James) Smith and preceded in death by 7 sisters and 1 brother; aunt of many nieces and nephews.
Visitation was held May 12 at Hitzeman Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 9445 W. 31st Street, Brookfield. Interment Private.
JAVIER R. VEGA
Javier R. Vega, of Summit, passed away at home May 6 with his loving family at his side.
Beloved husband of Imelda Andrade Vega; loving father of Arlene Vega, Thelma Vega and Luisa Vega; proud grandfather of Adan, Diego, Ava and Austin. Javier will be missed by his many brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews.
Per his request, Javier will be cremated, and a Service in Celebration of his Life will be scheduled at a later date.
In honor or Javier’s life please consider a memorial donation in Javier’s name to the American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org.
JEROME J. WOYNEROWSKI
Jerome J. Woynerowski, 80, of Chicago’s Clearing community, passed away peacefully May 2.
Loving brother of Joanne (late Kenneth) Palubiak; cherished son of the late Joseph and Anne Woynerowski; dear uncle to Julie (Ron) Wolny, Daniel (Lisa) Palubiak, David (Nicole) Palubiak and Jamie (John) Jamros. Fond great uncle of many. Dearest friend of Neill Trevino. Dear cousin of many.
Memorial Visitation was held at Two Holy Martyrs Parish, St. Rene Goupil Church May 12. Procession from the St. Rene Goupil Church to Queen of Heaven Cemetery. Inurnment private.
Local News
Chicago Ridge trustees reinstates clerk as a full-time job
The Chicago Ridge Village Board voted on Oct. 22 to reinstate the village clerk as a full-time position and confirmed the mayor’s role will also remain full-time, reflecting recent practices. Under the new measures, the annual salary for the mayor will stay at $85,000, with an additional $12,000 for serving as liquor commissioner. According to…
Palos Park debates local grocery tax to counter Illinois repeal
Illinois lawmakers have voted to eliminate the state’s 1% grocery tax in 2026, prompting officials in Palos Park to consider a local version of the tax to offset potential revenue losses. In May, Gov. J.B. Pritzker described the grocery tax as “regressive” and expressed his support for its removal. “If it reduces inflation for families…
Jon’s Way Youth Group haunts Chicago Ridge again
A group of teenagers took over Chicago Ridge as Jon’s Way Youth Group hosted its eighth annual Haunted Trail. The event, held at 105th Street and Oxford Avenue, drew a crowd Saturday, Oct. 19. “This was the best year we’ve had so far,” said Griffin Deuter, 16, of Chicago Ridge. Deuter has been a member…
‘Like a wound that doesn’t heal’
Family shares memories at hearings for accused killers Two defendants appeared at Bridgeview Courthouse last week, facing separate charges related to the May murder of Arturo Cantu Jr., who was shot to death outside his Bridgeview apartment by his girlfriend’s secret lover. Anthony Calderon, charged with first-degree murder, remains in custody after a judge on…
Bob Yonker Steps Down as Secretary of Summit Neighborhood Watch
After more than 15 years of dedicated service, Robert “Bob” Yonker has stepped down as secretary of Summit’s Neighborhood Watch program. During an Oct. 17 meeting, Neighborhood Watch President Tula Beene, Summit Police Chief Mel Ortiz, Summit Fire Chief Anthony Anderson, Trustee Aurora Rodriguez, and Public Relations Assistant Chris Crisanti honored Yonker with an award…
Will La Grange approve $13.86 million for park renovations? Voters to decide
If a recent poll is any indication, the Park District of La Grange stands a good chance of seeing a $13.86 million referendum win approval on Election Day Nov. 5. Voters will cast “yes” or “no” votes on the following ballot referendum: “Shall the Park District of LaGrange, Cook County, Illinois, improve and equip parks and…
Aguilar hosts Dia De Los Muertos Family Resource Fair
Cook County Commissioner Frank Aguilar held his fourth annual Dia De Los Muertos Family Resource Fair on Saturday, Oct. 26, at his district office on Ogden Avenue in Lyons. This vibrant event, which featured 30 vendors, aimed at increasing access to health and family services for the local community. Aguilar (D-16th) partnered with the Village…
Argo High School celebrates Fall Fest with community fun
Argo High School hosted its annual Hocus Pocus Fall Fest on Friday, Oct. 25, coinciding with the last home varsity football game for the Argo Argonauts. The event, held at the Argo Track Field from 4 to 6:30 p.m., drew a large crowd of students and community members eager to enjoy a festive atmosphere. The…
Eduardo Seija, Curie earn first playoff berth since 2019
Eduardo Seija and his Curie teammates had plenty to celebrate on Oct. 24. Seija, a senior two-way starter at fullback and linebacker, scored the first touchdown of his career as the Condors shut out Urban Prep-Bronzeville 30-0 at Rockne Stadium to complete one of the state’s biggest turnarounds. A year after going 0-9, Curie is…
Neighbors
Palos Hills Amends Fireworks Code, Honors Police Achievements
On Oct. 17, Palos Hills trustees unanimously approved stricter penalties for fireworks violations, increasing mandatory fines. Under the updated ordinance, violators—including individuals, businesses, or corporations—will face a mandatory fine of $500 per offense. The new code also specifies that “each day that the offense continues will be treated as a separate offense, resulting in a…
Hickory Hills council approves liquor license for St. Patricia Polish Festival
During the Hickory Hills October 24 meeting, the City Council approved a St. Patricia Polish Festival liquor license, scheduled for Saturday, November 9, 2024. The event will be held at St. Patricia’s Parish Center, 9050 S. 86th Ave., celebrating Polish heritage with traditional food, music, and dancing. Mayor Mike Howley initiated the motion for license…
Hickory Hills earns EV readiness recognition from Metro Mayors Caucus
The City of Hickory Hills has been recognized and awarded for completing the EV Readiness Program. The Program involves government initiatives that streamline EV guidelines, expand for EVs, and accommodate best charging practices. Mayor Mike Howley and city Clerk Joe Stachnik brought home several plaques from the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus Ceremony, held on Friday, August…
Worth Park District has big plans after acquiring Altman Park
Upon the recent acquirement of Altman Park, the Worth Park District has big plans in store for its future. Altman Park is located at West 115th Street in Worth and is just shy of 21 acres of open fields. There is an outlying building that has restrooms, concessions and a baseball field. The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago owned…
New ordinance requires rooftop safety measures for firefighters
A new ordinance, spearheaded by Ald. Marty Quinn (13th), will take effect on Jan. 1, 2025, mandating rooftop safety measures to protect firefighters. In the event of a fire, light shafts, light courts, and skylights present grave danger to firefighters. These openings often lack guards or parapets, preventing firefighters from falling. The new ordinance requires…
July Chicago Lawn tornado victims can get repair help from FEMA
By 9:30 a.m. on Oct. 18, a Saturday morning, the Chicago Lawn neighborhood on the southwest side, home to many Latino residents, was already bustling with energy along Kedzie Avenue near the intersection of 61st Street. It would be hard to believe that just three months earlier, on July 15, an EF1 tornado swept through…
Young runners shine at 9th annual Howl Through the Hills 5K
Runners of all ages took to the streets of Hickory Hills for the 9th Annual Howl Through the Hills 5K Run/Walk last weekend. The event, which began at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 26, started at Hickory Hills City Hall and unfolded on a beautiful, brisk fall day. Hickory Hills partnered with North Palos School…
Oak Lawn’s Kelly Nissan dealership celebrates renovation, grand opening
Ryan Kelly, president and CEO of Kelly Nissan in Oak Lawn, said the dealership is entering a new phase for the 21st century. Kelly Nissan, located at 4300 W. 95th St., underwent a complete renovation over the past year. While Kelly acknowledged that the process brought “some headaches,” he believes the overall outcome is positive…
Peppo’s subs stays true to family roots with new Orland Park shop
Robert Peplowski believes that a great sub sandwich can be enjoyed everywhere in the southwest suburbs. And why not in Orland Park? Peplowski felt it was time to do just that, opening the newest Peppo’s Great Sub Sandwiches at 9836 W. 159th St., at the corner of 94th Avenue, near the Orland Park Mall. The…
McCord Gallery throws a 20th anniversary party
McCord Gallery & Cultural Center knows how to throw a party. The gallery, 9602 W. Creek Road, Palos Park, hosted its 20th annual fundraising Gala themed, For the Love of Arts – Tapestry…McCord Woven in Time, on Saturday, Oct.5 at Midlothian Country Club, 5000 W. 147th St #1, Midlothian. “Seeing all the enthusiastic guests and…