Obituaries November 30, 2023
DAVID BOTELLO
David Botello, 43, passed away peacefully on November 25 at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.
David is survived by his wife, Ewa (Lazowska); his son, Matthew; mother, Roxanne Botello, and mother-in-law, Lodzia. Also survived by maternal grandmother, Gloria Pearl, aunts, uncle and many relatives and friends.
David was born on August 29, 1980, in Chicago. He graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in Criminal Justice and English Literature.
David was an avid fan of the Chicago Cubs (sorry, Sox fans!). He was an excellent cook and a lover of theater and film.
His zest for life was painfully interrupted by his diagnosis of kidney failure due to lupus and antiphospholipid syndrome. Thanks to his Mom, he successfully underwent a kidney transplant and returned to work for the Lincoln Park Zoo.
Unfortunately, through the years, he was diagnosed with several more chronic medical problems that took a toll on his life.
Despite progressing health issues, he stayed optimistic and looked to the future. David was a true fighter and faced problems with resilience and hope.
His last fight was the hardest.
He will always be remembered as a loving father, husband and son. And his fight for life should leave us with inspiration to never give up and fight until the last breath. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Family and friends will gather for visitation on Wednesday, November 29, from 3-8 p.m. Funeral Service will be Thursday from the Palos-Gaidas Funeral Home to Saint Francis Assisi Church in Orland Park for 10:30 a.m. Mass. Interment Good Shepherd Cemetery Orland Park.
For information or to express your condolences, please visit www.palosgaidasfh.com or call 708-974-4410.
ALBERT CAIAFA
Albert Caiafa, age 98, of Chicago, Clearing community, passed away November 16. Proud Navy Veteran World War II, Purple Heart Recipient.
Beloved husband of Yolanda (nee Pontarelli); loving father of Joanna Caiafa (Edward Lilly), the late Albert D. (Donna) Caiafa and the late John Caiafa; cherished grandfather of Nikki (Erik) Klingenberg, Krissi (Mike) Volant, Allison (Sean) Segretto, Nick Caiafa, Tony Caiafa, Joe Caiafa, Evan Lilly, Shawn Lilly and the late little John Caiafa; great grandfather of Nathan, Emma, Mila and Max; dear brother of Nick (Taro) Caiafa and the late Angie (late Pat) DeNardo, Louie (late Phyllis) Caiafa, Ann (late Frank) Malito, Mike (late Mary Ann) Caiafa and Sam (late Lou) Caiafa. Uncle of many nieces and nephews.
Visitation was held November 20 until time of Mass at Two Holy Martyrs Parish, St. Rene Goupil Church. Family and friends met November 24 at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, 20953 W. Hoff Rd, Elwood, Il 60421 where Albert was laid to rest with Military Honors. Please offer your condolences to Albert’s family on his personal tribute website at: wwwforanfuneralhome.com. Arrangements entrusted to Foran Funeral Home.
MARGARET S. COSTELLO
Margaret S. Costello (nee Sutherland), 79, of Orland Park, has passed away.
She was the beloved wife of 58 years of Daniel. Caring Mom of Dan (Denise) Costello, and Amy (Scott) Becker. Cherished Grandma of Ricky and the late Danny Costello. Dear Sister of Samantha (Scott) Kuehn and Bruce (Eileen) Sutherland. Stepsister of Nancy Perez and the late Pete and Lynn Hatzinger. Fun-loving aunt of many nieces and nephews.
Family and friends will gather for visitation on Saturday, December 2, from 3-8 p.m. with Funeral Service at 7 p.m. at the Palos-Gaidas Funeral Home, 11028 Southwest Hwy., Palos Hills. Interment private.
For information or to express your condolences, please visit www.palosgaidasfh.com
FRANCISCO GALLARDO SR.
Francisco Gallardo Sr., age 88, of Chicago, South Lawndale community, passed away November 21.
Beloved husband of Rosaura (nee Negron); loving father of Guadalupe Gallardo, Gloria (Luis) Martinez, Francisco (Norma) Gallardo Jr. and Blanca (Ron) Longino; cherished grandfather of Mariel Martinez, Francisco Martinez, Julian Longino, Maria Elena (Rudy) Gasca, David Salinas and the late Luis Alberto Martinez; dear great-grandfather of Jesus, Adeline, Mateo and Emmett; fond brother of Maria Luisa Campos Gallardo, Rafael Gallardo and the late Luz Maria Castillo, late Arturo Gallardo and late Guadalupe Gallardo. Uncle of many nieces and nephews.
Visitation was held November 26 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave. (55th street just west of Harlem). Visitation was held November 27 at the funeral until time of Prayers. Procession from the funeral home to St. Francis of Assisi Church, 813 W Roosevelt Rd, Chicago, for a Mass of Christian Burial. Entombment Queen of Heaven Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to Francisco’s family on his personal tribute website at www.foranfuneralhome.com.
RAFAEL GUZMAN
Rafael Guzman, age 24, passed away November 3.
Cherished son of Vanessa (nee Hernandez) and Pedro Sr. Guzman; dear brother of Ariel Guzman and Pedro Jr. Guzman. Also survived by relatives and friends.
Visitation was held November 8 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held November 9, family and friends met directly at Saint Gabriel Church, 600 W. 45th Street, Chicago for Mass. Interment, Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Hillside. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.
MARGARET F. HALL
Margaret F. Hall (nee Soukup), age age 87, sadly passed away November 6.
Margaret was the cherished daughter of James and Martha Soukup and sister to many siblings; she was a wonderful mother to Martha (Art) Topel; Garrett Hall and Lisa Hall; a treasured grandmother of Michael Hall and Dan (Julie) Topel; dearest great-grandmother to Evan and Jackson. She loved to play bingo and had an incredible singing voice.
Visitation was held November 9 at Our Lady at St. Germaine Church, 9737 S. Kolin Avenue, Oak Lawn, Mass followed. Interment, Resurrection Cemetery, Justice. Arrangements entrusted to care of Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.
ZBIGNIEW KACZMARCZYK
Zbigniew Kaczmarczyk, age 58, passed away November 6.
Beloved husband of Edyta Szymanska-Kaczmarczyk; loving father of Szczepan (Maria) Kaczmarczyk, Arthur Szymanski and Karolina (Bartlomiej) Kosinski; dearest grandfather of Olivier and Gabriella; cherished son of Maria (nee Plewa) and the late Czeslaw Kaczmarczyk; dear brother of Zofia (Maciej) Szczerba and Maciej (Monika) Kaczmarczyk. Also survived by nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Visitation was held November 10 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held November 11, Prayers and procession from the funeral home to Our Lady Mother of the Church Polish Mission, 116 Hilton Street, Willow Springs for Mass. Interment, Resurrection Cemetery, Justice. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.
JOAN LEJMAN
Joan Lejman, age 94, of Chicago, Garfield Ridge community, passed away November 20.
She was the beloved wife for 59 years to the late Mitchell Lejman, who passed away on November 1; loving mother of Dennis Droba and the late Diane Maas; dear grandmother of Shannon Muren and Megan Maas; great grandmother of Haylei, Camden, Madden and Chase; fond sister of LaDonna (late Edward) Baran and aunt to their children.
Family and friends met at Resurrection Cemetery November 22. Procession to the Community Mausoleum where Joan was entombed alongside her husband. Condolences may be sent to Joan’s family on her personal tribute website at www.foranfuneralhome.com.
ROBERT LISZTWAN
Robert Lisztwan, age 64, passed away October 30.
Loving father of Paulina (Kyle) Chalupsky, Karolina Lisztwan, the late Rafal Lisztwan and Oliwier Chochorowski; dear grandfather of Charlotte, Hazel and Arlo; cherished son of the late Elzbieta (nee Wszedyrowna) and the late Zbigniew Lisztwan; fond brother of Aneta Lisztwan and the late Irek Lisztwan. Also survived by relatives and friends.
Visitation was held November 10 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held November 11, Prayers and procession from the funeral home to Saint Fabian Church, 7450 W. 83rd Street, Bridgeview for Mass. Cremation rites to be accorded with future interment at Resurrection Cemetery, Justice. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.
ALEXANDRA LOPEZ
Alexandra Lopez (nee Rodriguez), age 97, passed away November 4.
Beloved wife of the late Jose Ladislao “Stanley” Lopez; loving mother of Rachael (Daniel) Kennelly, Irene (Raymond) Gonzalez and Eva (Jose) DeAnda; dear grandmother of Josue (Elaine) Bernal, Athena (Joseph) Gomez, Corrine (Thomas) Dempsey, Alexandra Bernal, Charlene (Brandon) Welch, Natalie Kennelly, Neil Kennelly and Ryan (Lauren) Kennelly; dearest great-grandmother of Mariah, Marcos, Desi, Jenna, Savanah, Jacob, Elijah, Isabella, Connor, Joshua, Kiara, Haley, Rylan, Cade, Rhylee, Hayden, Juliana, Erica, Jaxson and Olivia; treasured great-grandmother of Sofia, Charlotte, Victoria, Stavros and Luca; cherished daughter of the late Maria Guadalupe Ramirez and the late Antelmo Rodriguez. Fond sister of Dolores Nolasco, the late Juan Rodriguez, the late Severiano Rodriguez, the late Guadalupe Rodriguez, the late Asuncion Padilla and the late Julia Gutierrez. Also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Visitation was held November 9 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held November 10, Prayers and procession from the funeral home to Saint Patricia Church, 9040 S. 86th Avenue, Hickory Hills for Mass. Interment, Resurrection Cemetery, Justice. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.
PATRICK JOSEPH MAHER
Patrick Joseph Maher, age 29, of Cicero, passed away suddenly November 9.
Beloved son of Laura (nee Gearon) and the late Herbert E. Maher; loving fraternal brother of Erin (Paul) Stachura; grandson of the late Herbert E and Angela (nee Mazurowski) Maher and Merlin B (Joe) Jr. and Blanche R (nee Kruckow) Gearon; treasured nephew of Michael Gearon and the late Judith Gearon, Suzan (Robert) Styczenski and Richard Gearon; Cathie (Paul) Abrahamson, Janet (Ken) Kessler. Charlotte (Kevin) O’Connell, Mary (and the late John) Schmidt, Dorothy (Joseph) McCloskey, Joanne (Bill) Gaines, John (Beth) Maher, Patty (Dan) Ray, Charles (Cathy) Maher, Peter (Sue) Maher, Martin Maher and Rose Maher, and Laurie (Mike) Flores; great nephew of Henrietta (the late Nicholas) Mazurowski and nephew of Alice, Kenneth, MaryAnn and Nicholas Mazurowski, Sandie Mazurowski and Michael Sharp, Stephanie (Jeffrey) Probst and the late John Mazurowski. Much loved cousin of Jennifer (Terry) Hadfield; Michael (Susan) O’Connell, Timothy (Meghan) O’Connell; Pam Schmidt, Brittany (Chad) Sarver; David (Jackie) Pleasant, Jennifer (Corey) Brelsfoard; Matthew (Lisa) McCloskey, Daniel (Kriston) McCloskey and Robert McCloskey; Amy (Mike) Powers, Dan (Linda) Presler, Nell (Chuck) Baez and Megan Presler; Angela Ray (Cyrus Alavi) Adam Ray; Rebecca (Benjamin) Jacobson, Amy Maher; Nicholas (Ashley) Maher, Steven, Travis and Tyler (Kelly) Maher; caring uncle of Paul, Angelina and Jason Stachura; Emily, Terry and Meghan Hadfield; and all the spectacular family of our next generation.
A visitation celebrating Patrick’s life was held November 17 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W Archer Ave. Summit. Visitation was held at the funeral home November 18 until time of Service. Procession from the funeral home to Holy Sepulchre Cemetery where Patrick was laid to rest. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Disabled American Vets (DAV), Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund or a charity of your choice. Please offer your condolences to Patrick’s family on his personal tribute website at: www.foranfuneralhome.com.
ROBERT A. METKE
Robert A. Metke, age 87, of Lockport, passed away November 18. Army Veteran.
Beloved husband of the late Bernadette “Boots” (nee Waliczek); loving father of James (Jeanette) Metke and Anthony (Gabriel Candelaria) Metke; proud grandfather of Robert and Joseph Metke; dear brother of the late Joan (late Jack) O’Brien; fond uncle of many nieces and nephews.
Visitation was held November 20 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave. (55th street just west of Harlem). Visitation was held November 21 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. Robert was laid to rest next to his wife at Resurrection Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to Robert’s family on his personal tribute website at www.foranfuneralhome.com.
STANISLAW NOWAK
Stanislaw Nowak, age 72, passed away November 5.
Beloved husband of Wiktoria Nowak (nee Fafrowicz); loving father of Krzysztof (Agnieszka) Nowak and the late Pawel Nowak; dear grandfather of Gabriela Nowak, Oliver Nowak, Alexander Nowak and Emil Pietrzak; cherished son of the late Jozefa (nee Dwulat) and the late Franciszek Nowak; fond brother of Zdzislaw Nowak. Also survived by relatives and friends.
Visitation was held November 7 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held November 8, Prayers and procession from the funeral home to Saint Fabian Church, 7450 W. 83rd Street, Bridgeview for Mass. Interment, Resurrection Cemetery, Justice. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.
SOMBAT VORASORN
Sombat Vorasorn, age 91, passed away October 26.
Beloved husband of the late Thanom Vorasorn; loving father of Tony (Mary) Vorasorn; dearest grandfather of Connor Vorasorn and Emma Vorasorn. Lovingly survived by his siblings, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Visitation was held November 5 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice with a Buddhist Chanting Service and Cremation rites held at the funeral home. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.
Local News
Cruz booted from SD 229 school board in Oak Lawn
Spread the loveBy Dermot Connolly There is a vacancy on the Oak Lawn Community High School District 229 School Board, after members voted 6-1 last week to remove Robert Cruz for allegedly violating his oath of office, school board policy and state statutes. Cruz, a property developer, was elected to the District 229 board in…
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…
Marist wrestlers take Illini Classic crown; Shepard’s Damari Reed stays unbeaten
Spread the loveBy Steve Millar Correspondent When Peter Marinopoulos was a freshman, he served as the Marist wrestling team’s manager when the RedHawks would travel to tournaments. Two years later, he is finishing tournaments on top of the podium. Marinopolous, ranked No. 2 in the state in Class 3A at 195 pounds by the Illinois…
Warrant issued for suspected shooter in Worth double homicide
Spread the loveBy Bob Bong Worth police have an arrest warrant for a man suspected as the shooter in a double homicide January 10 at the Crossing Bar and Grill in Worth. Worth police are working with numerous law enforcement agencies to seek the man, who was not identified. Police said the suspect is not…
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…
Neighbors
Mother Mac unveils new lights and scoreboard
Spread the loveBy Kelly White Across the nation, women’s sports are on the rise in terms of viewership, enthusiasm, sponsorship and excitement. Mother McAuley is no stranger to the impact that women’s athletics has on the development of an individual, strengthening of a team and key skills and attributes developed along the way. South Side…
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…
Boys Volleyball | Marist tops Nazareth for ninth straight win
Spread the loveBy Xavier Sanchez Correspondent Marist ran its winning streak to nine game with a 25-16, 25-17 victory over East Suburban Catholic Conference rival Nazareth on May 2. The win streak is the RedHawks’ second longest streak of the season after their season-opening 12-match run. Eight of the nine matches during the current streak…
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…