MAUREEN ALIOTO

Maureen Alioto, 76, passed away on January 2, 2024.

She was a beloved wife of Joseph Alioto, the beloved mother of Michael and Anna Alioto, and a dear sister to Rita and Robert Lerch and John McDermott, and Jance, Michael McDermott and Lynn, Tom McDermott and Ann and Joanne and Rob Alexsick.

Maureen was a loving and caring mother, wife, sister, and friend. She loved those around her genuinely, kindly, and selflessly; she deeply loved her savior Jesus. She was a prayer warrior, an avid bible reader, a beloved daughter of Jesus, and a faithful witness to him.

She loved learning and teaching others, both professionally, as a school teacher and mother, and as a ministry at Palos Community church where she attended since 1986 and served as a Deacon and Sunday School and Confirmation Teacher.

The joy of the Lord was her strength and empowered her to be an example of hopeful resilience while living much of her life with multiple sclerosis. She will be deeply missed, even as we know she is now whole in the presence of the Lord she loved so much.

Funeral services were held January 6 at Palos Community Church,12312 S. 88th Avenue, Palos Park. Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

Arrangements entrusted to Palos-Gaidas Funeral Home, 11028 Southwest Hwy., Palos Hills.  For information or to express your condolences, visit www.palosgaidasfh.com or call 708-974-4410.

DONALD G. “DUKE” BRANN

Donald G. “Duke” Brann passed away January 3, with his loving daughters at his side.

He was the beloved husband of the late Louise Brann (nee DiGrazia); loving and devoted father of Deborah (late Jay) Morzuch, Carol (Rich) McCasland, Theresa (David) Vitela and Lisa (Tom) Aftanas; proud grandfather of Charles (Brandi) Morzuch, Jacqueline (Nick) Stephenson, Stacey (Edgar) Reyes, Stephanie (Johnny) Vaccaro, Katie(Leah Cassella) McCasland, Kelly McCasland, Andrew Adamovitz, Sara (Christopher) Rudar, Rebecca (Cesar) Sotelo, Joseph Aftanas and Nicholas Aftanas; great grandfather of Lily, Charlie, Téa, Revan, Mariah, Erick, Bella, Gianna, Jovanni, Ricky, Gabriella, Francesca, Brian, Vincenzo, Lorenzo, Luciano, Giovanni and Rosabella. Donald was preceded in death by his ten siblings. He will be missed by his many nieces and nephews and their families.

Visitation was held January 8 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave. (55th street just west of Harlem). Visitation was held January 9 at the funeral home until time of Prayers. Procession from the funeral home to Two Holy Martyrs Parish, St. Rene Goupil Church for Mass. Donald was entombed with his beloved wife at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery Mausoleum of the Archangels.

FRANCES C. CLARK

Frances C. Clark (nee Kirnbauer), age 82, passed away December 23.

Fran was born in Evergreen Park to Frances Durkin Kirnbauer and Emil Kirnbauer. Her younger days were wild, crazy and fun. Most importantly, she pursued her passions of art and horses. Although she was qualified to go to the art institute, Fran’s coarse changed and she married Kenneth Marsciniak Clark and had two children, Katherine and Kenneth Clark. Once her children were old enough, Fran instilled her passion for horses to the children and they all pitched in together to ship a horse (Ta Shunka) from California. It was through this horse that her life truly changed. Her daughter showed the horse, Fran rode the trails and was a show “mom” and Kenny assisted, also playing equestrian fun and games. Somewhere along the way, she divorced her husband and moved to Countryside, where she lived for over 40 years. There she further pursued her love of horses and had multiple horses on her property. Around this time she reacquainted with me, Kathy’s friend Paula, and we became best friends. Together we rode the trails all over Palos Hills and surrounding areas. Soon, the local trails were not enough and together we fulfilled our mutual dream of traveling and camping with the horses. Favorite destination was in Missouri where new lifelong friends were made. As Fran got older, she re-discovered her other love, German Shepherds. Fran and I continued our love for horses, but added our love for dogs to the mix, adding new adventures with our horses and dogs.

Fran is survived by her brother Joseph La Porte and her son Kenneth Clark. Sadly, her daughter, Katherine Clark had passed away in 2001.

Fran was a very kind, fun and driven person, but not one to be underestimated. There was never a fight she did not win, even if she was fighting from the bottom. Once Fran decided what she wanted, she did all in her power to achieve it. She will be greatly missed.

Visitation was held December 28 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held December 29, Service and time of remembrance were held at the funeral home. Interment, Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Alsip.

DONALD FLOOD, FORMER PALOS HEIGHTS ALDERMAN

Donald G. Flood Sr., 85, of Palos Heights, passed away on January 4 after a long illness.

He was the beloved husband of Lorraine (nee Wilson), loving father to Deb (Tim), Don, Dawn (Steve) and his dog Stosh. Proud “Pops” to Brett (Sam), Tyler (Shannon), Abby, Ella and Edie. Cherished great “Pops” to Rowan, Ryann, Tyler, Mac and Griffin. Proceeded in death by his father Richard, mother Florence, brothers, Ed and Bud, sister Dolly and grandson Ben.

Born in Chicago on October 29, 1938, Don was the youngest of four children.  He worked various jobs at the then Illinois Bell Company before his retirement after 39 years.  After “retiring” Don took a job leading onsite logistic work for conventions and meetings which took him, and often Lorraine, on many domestic and international adventures.

He was a longtime Palos Heights alderman as well as volunteer fireman, 16-inch softball master, avid fisherman and golfer, and lifelong boater.  His happy place was his cottage in Watervliet, Michigan, where he spent as much time as he could for the last 40 years.

In lieu of flowers the family has requested that donations be made to the American Brain Foundation in his memory.

Funeral services were held January 8 at Kerry Funeral Home in Palos Heights. Interment Chapel Hill Gardens South in Oak Lawn.

GUADALUPE J. “JOHN” GONZALEZ

Guadalupe J. “John” Gonzalez, age 70, longtime resident of Summit, passed away at home with his loving family at his side.

He was the beloved husband of Eileen (nee Juknuis); loving father of Michael (Mari) Gonzalez, Marcela (Valentin) Gonzalez, Rosalinda (Jeffrey) Leonchik and Raymond and George Donovan; dear grandfather of Michaela, Xavier, Victor, Giovanni, Isabella, Daniel, Alex, Abigail, Jiselle, Nicholas, Ilena and Michael; loving son of Maria and the late Juan Gonzalez; dear brother of Maria R. Gonzalez, Reynaldo Gonzalez, Roberto Gonzalez, Veronica (Saul) Banda, the late Miguel Gonzalez and the late Martin (Milly) Gonzalez.

Visitation was held January 2 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave. (55th street just west of Harlem). Visitation was held January 3 until time of Service in Celebration of John’s life. Procession from the funeral home to Resurrection Cemetery where John was laid to rest. In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s memory to the American Cancer Society would be greatly appreciated.

VERONICA GUAJARDO

We celebrate the life of Veronica Guajardo who passed away unexpectedly January 2.

She was the cherished daughter of the late Angel Guajardo and late Erendida Guajardo (nee Esparza); beloved wife of the late Brian Srmek; loving sister of Karla Guajardo. Veronica will be dearly missed by her many aunts, uncles, cousins and godchildren.

Visitation was held January 7 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave. (55th Street just west of Harlem). Visitation was held January 8 at the funeral home until time of Prayers. Procession from the funeral home to St. Blasé Church for a Mass of Christian Burial. Veronica was laid to rest next to her husband and mother and father at Resurrection Cemetery.

SAMANTHA MARIE HUTCHERSON

Samantha Marie Hutcherson, 25, of Alsip, passed away suddenly on December 28, 2023.

She was the beloved daughter of Kenneth and Anna (nee Fisher) Hutcherson; loving sister of Melissa (Raymundo) Delgado, John and Kenneth Hutcherson; dearest aunt to Raymundo Delgado.

Funeral services were held January 4 at the Palos-Gaidas Funeral Home, 11028 Southwest Hwy., Palos Hills. Interment private.

For information or to express your condolences, visit www.palosgaidasfh.com or call 708-974-4410.

KONSTATINOS “GUS” KAROUBAS

Konstantinos “Gus” Karoubas, age 86, passed away December 24.

Born September 29, 1937 in Grammousa, Sparta, Greece. Departed to the Lord December 24, 2023. Dearest son of Sotirios and Dimitra Karoubas; loving husband of the late Kalliopi Karoubas; dearest father of Venetia (George) Kounelis, Dimitra (James) Karnavas, Dina (James) Nikolakakis, John (Angie) Karoubas; dearest grandfather of Kayla (Anthony), Konstantina, Peter, Layna, George, Olivia, Andrew, and Sophia; fond brother of Diane and the late Apostolos, late Haralambos, late Evangelos, and late Aphrodite, also survived by many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Gus was an active member of Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church and will be remembered for his love of music through the Karoubas Brothers Band which played at numerous Greek events in the Chicagoland area and Northwest Indiana.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church are appreciated. Visitation was held December 30 at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church, 7560 S. Archer Road, Justice. Funeral was held December 30, Service at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church, 7560 S. Archer Road, Justice. Interment, Bethania Cemetery, Justice.

EARL A. KJOS

Earl A. Kjos passed away on Christmas day with his loving family at his side.

He was the beloved husband of the late Patricia (nee Gergits); loving father of Maureen (Ken) Belling, Dianne (Joe) Slater and Jennifer (Chris) Quinlan; proud papa of Kate and Meghan Belling, Emily, Audrey and Andrew Slater and Sadie, Jeremy and Leo Quinlan; dear brother of Dan Kjos and the late Carol Kjos. Fond uncle of many nieces and nephews. Loving son of the late Earl and Helen Kjos. Earl was an avid sports fan and an especially loyal Cubs fan for many years. He will be missed by his many friends and neighbors.

Visitation was held January 3 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave. (55th street just west of Harlem). Visitation was held January 4 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. Earl was buried next to his beloved Patricia at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

SANTOS V. LOERA

Santos V. Loera, age 95, passed away December 24.

He was the beloved husband of the late Josefina; loving father of Guilleranina, Joseph, Estella, Santos Jr., Mario, Josephine, Rachel Maria, the late Joseph and the late Javier; proud grandfather of Norma, David, Uylsses, Joey, Eric, Johnny, Joey, Adam, Isiah, Jessie, Jonah, Gina, Javie Jr., Mark, Amador, Javier, Giovanny, Alexis, Tabi, Emily, Ariana, Brianna, Nadia and Sanjay. Santos will be lovingly missed by his many great grandchildren.  A very kind, charitable man, Santos inspired everyone with positive outlook and great sense of humor. He will be greatly missed, always loved and never forgotten.

Visitation was held January 4 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 West Archer Ave. (55th street just west of Harlem). Family and friends met January 5 at St. Daniel the Prophet Church located at 5358 South Nashville Ave. for a Mass of Christian Burial. Procession from the church to Queen of Heaven Cemetery where Santos was buried next to his beloved wife.

JEANETTE MAZUREK

Jeanette Agnes Mazurek, 90, of Palos Heights, passed away peacefully December 31.

She was the loving wife of the late Ernest Mazurek; loving mother of Ernest Jr. Mazurek; loving mother of Karen (Frederick) Kunz; loving grandmother of Shane Kunz and Margie Mazurek; loving sister of seven siblings, the late George, Eddie, Winnie, Dorothy, Dolores, and Jerome; loving aunt to many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held January 9 at Palos-Gaidas Funeral Home, 11028 Southwest Hwy., Palos Hills.  Interment Resurrection Cemetery.

For information or to express your condolences, visit www.palosgaidasfh.com or call 708-974-4410.

VIRGINIA “VIRG PIE” PIECZYNSKI

Virginia “Virg Pie” Pieczynski, age 96, passed away peacefully January 2.

Devoted wife of the late Raymond Pieczynski; loving mother of the late Susan (Al) Cambron, Cynthia (Henry) Siergiej, the late Philip (Juanita) Pieczynski, Beverly (Tom) Petraitis, and Christopher Pieczynski; proud grandmother of Robert (Kadie) Siergiej, Michele (Tony) Scarpa, Jamie (Gabe) Hernandez, Taylor (Katie) Cambron, Jennifer Petraitis, Kristen (Heather) Siergiej, Tony (Tara) Petraitis, Melissa (Brad) Johnson, Raymond, Lucas, and Heather Pieczynski, Kevin (Sara) Siergiej, the late Shannon Gospodarek, Chad (Colleen) Thiele, and Amber (Tom) Vargas; beloved great-grandmother of Mackenzie Kesteloot, Morgan Pieczynski, Madison Siergiej, Anthony Scarpa, Nolan Siergiej, Anthony, Alexis, Adrian, Alana, and Audrina Hernandez, Owen and Sam Cambron, Charlie and Remy Siergiej, Jack Petraitis, Ashton Siergiej, Jackson McKibben, and Ashlynn Thiele. Loving godmother and aunt to many. Devoted member of the St. Symphorosa Altar & Rosary Society and Senior Club.

Visitation was held January 5 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave. (55th street just west of Harlem). Visitation was held January 6 at the funeral home until time of Prayers. Procession from the funeral home to Two Holy Martyrs Parish, St. Symphorosa Church for Mass. Virginia was laid to rest next to her beloved husband at Resurrection Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Beverly Breast Cancer Walk: https://give.osfhealthcarefoundation.org/give/f4608994/#!/donation/checkout.

TADEUSZ TYLKA

Tadeusz Tylka, age 53, passed away December 28.

Beloved husband of Anna Tylka (nee Piczura); loving father of Stanislaw (Agata) Tylka, Robert Tylka and Adrian Tylka; cherished son of Franciszka (nee Maryniarczyk) and the late Stanislaw Tylka; dear brother of Maria (Piotr) Machaj. Also survived by nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Visitation was held January 2 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held January 3, Prayers and procession from the funeral home to Saint Albert the Great Church, 8029 S. Central Avenue, Burbank for Mass. Interment, Resurrection Cemetery, Justice.

WILLIAM A. WEBBER

William A. Webber, 81, of Palos Hills, passed away.

He was the beloved husband of the late Barbara (nee Bukowski) Webber; devoted son of the late Allan (the late Vi) and Mary nee Oliver Webber; loving brother of the late Bruce Webber; dear brother-in-law, Douglas (Michele) Bukowski; cherished uncle of Clare (Christopher) Kirkpatrick; great-uncle to Leo Kirkpatrick; dear friend to many.

William was a long-time instructor at the Illinois College of Podiatry in Chicago and had his own podiatry practice in Palos Hills.

William was a long-time parishioner at Sacred Heart Church; he was a member of the Sacred Heart Men’s Club, and the Irish Terrier Club of Chicago.

In lieu of flowers contributions to The American Macular Degeneration Foundation would be appreciated.

Funeral services were held January 9 from the Palos-Gaidas Funeral Home, 11028 Southwest Highway, Palos Hills, to Sacred Heart Church. Interment Resurrection Cemetery.

For information or to express your condolences, visit www.palosgaidasfh.com or call 708-974-4410.