Obituaries March 14, 2024
JOSEPHINE P. GRANAT
Josephine P. Granat, age 82, passed away February 17.
Cherished daughter of the late Bernice (nee Jasulaitis) and the late John Granat; beloved sister of the late James (Carol) Granat, the late John (Vivian) Granat, the late Johanna Granat, Joseph (Dolores) Granat, the late Jerome (Mary) Granat, the late Richard Granat, Steven (Sharon) Granat, Lawrence (Esperanza) Granat, the late Barbara Granat, the late Mary Granat and Patricia (Sam) Venegas. Dear aunt of many nieces, nephews and their families. Proud educator in the Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic Schools. In memory of Josephine’s dedication to education, donations to Sts. Bruno and Richard School, 5025 S. Kenneth Avenue, Chicago, IL are appreciated.
Visitation was held February 23 at Saint Richard Church, 5030 S. Kostner Avenue, Chicago, with a Mass. Interment, Resurrection Cemetery, Justice. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.
IRENE HEFFROM
Irene Heffron, 84, of Evergreen Park, passed away February 26.
She was the beloved wife of the late Merton Heffron; loving mother of Deanna (Michael) Machay; cherished Oma of Alexandria; dear sister of Waldemar (Marlene) Meissner, the late Ida (late Adolf), the late Emma, and late Ewald; also survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
Visitation was March 4 at Kosary Funeral Home, 9837 S. Kedzie, Evergreen Park. Funeral services were held at the funeral home on March 5. Interment St. Casimir Cemetery.
LINDA J. KRUTILLA
Linda J. Krutilla, age 70, of Oak Lawn, passed away February 16.
Loving mother of Tracy (Jose), Brian (Colleen), Scott (Lisa) and Sean (Jessica); proud daughter of the late Grace Anders and the late Michael Krutilla; caring grandmother of Jason, Samantha, Luke, Owen, Morgan, Wesley, Elliot and Charlotte; dearest great-grandmother of Zachary; dear sister of Darlene, the late late Michael, the late David, Tom, Steve and Joe. Linda will be missed by all who knew her notably co-workers and friends.
Celebration of Life to be held by the family. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice, Illinois. 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.
BETTY C. MALONEY
Betty C. Maloney (nee Barber), age 95, of Bedford Park, passed away March 1.
Beloved wife of the late John “Bud” Maloney; loving mother of Daniel (Geri) Maloney, Kevin (Dawn) Maloney, Keith Maloney, Timothy (Gail) Maloney, Gordon (Kim) Maloney, Erin Maloney and Tracey Maloney; cherished grandmother of Eric (Heather) Maloney, Amy Bretthauer, Jennifer Maloney, Adam (Diana) Maloney, Samantha (Tom) Kohler, Katie Maloney, Moreen (Leo) Diaz, Mike (Becky) Maloney, Matthew (Kristin) Maloney, Nicholas (Erika) Maloney, Tom (Samantha) Maloney, Will (Ashlee) Brabec, Amanda Brabec, Cyndel Maloney, Gerrit Szeszycki and Matthew Szeszycki; proud great-grandmother of Isabel, Anthony, Natalie, Henry, Dylan, Liam, Brooke, Johnathan, Jacob, Edward, Aliza, Makenzie, Mason, Cadence, Finley, Layla, Wyatt, Connor, Kian and Declan. Fond sister of Mary Rallis, Patricia Quain, Brian Barber and the late Charles Barber, late Anthony Barber and Pam Van Holt. Dear Aunt to many nieces and nephews.
Visitation was held March 8 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave. (55th street just west of Harlem). Visitation March 9 at the funeral home until time of Prayers. Procession from the funeral home to St. James at Sag Bridge Church for a Mass of Christian Burial. Betty was laid to rest next to Bud at Resurrection Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to Betty’s family on her personal tribute website at www.foranfuneralhome.com.
BERNADETTE NOONAN
Bernadette Noonan (nee Sinople), age 79, passed away February 10.
Beloved wife of Theodore Noonan; loving mother of Kathy Beristain, Karen Noonan and the late Ted Noonan Jr.; dear grandmother of Nick (Jessica) Beristain, Vanessa (Noonan) (Jason) Hy, Jonathan (Luana) Beristain, Bob (Nicole) Noonan, Myles Beristain and Kelsey Noonan; dearest great-grandmother of Stella, Rowan, Violet and Luca; cherished daughter of the late Rose Mary (Bertucci) and the late Anthony Sinople; fond sister of Anthony (Rose) Sinople. Also survived by a niece, nephews, relatives and friends.
Memorial was held February 24 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the American Heart Association in Bernadette’s name. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.
CASSANDRA HOPE (SAUSEDA) O’HARA
Cassandra Hope (Sauseda) O’Hara was born August 22, 2000, in Chicago. She passed away February 20, 2024, at the age of 23.
Born to Russell O’Hara Sr (deceased) and Melissa Sauseda of Bridgeview. Cassy was a free spirit who loved her family. Cassy was a graduate of Hopewell Academy, class of 2018. She enjoyed spending time downtown and at the lakefront. Some of her favorite times were when she went bowling and playing pool with friends. She also greatly enjoyed spending time with her siblings whom she helped take care of when her dad fell ill. Cassy is survived by her loving mother Melissa Sauseda, stepfather David Grabinski, brothers Billy O’Hara, Russell O’Hara Jr. and sister Lexy O’Hara. She is also survived by her maternal grandmother Carol Sauseda, two nephews, aunts, and many cousins. Cassy was preceded in death by her father Russell O’Hara Sr, her grandparents Gary and Marilyn Brooks, and Uncle Davey Sauseda Jr. Her memory will be forever cherished by those who had the privilege of knowing her.
Visitation was held February 27 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.
RICHARD H. “RICK” ROSARIO
Richard H. “Rick” Rosario, age 72, a beloved father, son, grandfather, great-grandfather, husband, brother, cousin, and a resident of the City of Chicago, passed away peacefully February 17.
He is survived by his wife, Cindy; his son, Michael (Mikey); daughter, Sandra; granddaughter Ashley; grandson, Richard (Richie); great-grandson, Ashton; and great-granddaughter, Adilynn. Rick will be deeply missed by all who knew him. In lieu of flowers, donation arrangements may be made to The Rosario Family. Thank you so very much for your kindness, support, blessings, prayers, and condolences during this very difficult time.
Visitation was held February 22 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held February 23, Service and Time of Remembrance were held at the funeral home. Interment, Fairmount-Willow Hills Memorial Park, Willow Springs. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.
WILLIAM JAMES THERES
William James Theres, age 73, of Justice, passed away February 14.
Bill was born on January 12, 1951. He was a beloved husband for 52 years to Cindy Theres; loving father to Carrie Jeffery and her husband Michael, and to William Theres Jr. and his wife Genia. He was a proud grandfather to Lucas Theres, Miles Jeffery, Izabella Theres, and Owen Jeffery. Bill is survived by his sisters Shirley (Al) Lave and Barbara (Joseph) DeFilipis, and his brothers Jack (Rose) Theres and Edward (Wendy) Theres. He was also a loving uncle to many nieces and nephews.
Bill had a fulfilling career as a carpenter/locksmith at Moraine Valley Community College for 22 years. He also served as a volunteer firefighter in Justice from 1968-1974, and worked for Nationwide from 1983-1993, and worked as a Chemical Operator for Wesson Oil from 1970-1983.
Bill was a member of Grace Lutheran Church, where he served as an elder and trustee, and found solace and strength. He loved his church and was a devoted and faithful member. Contributions in his memory can be made to Grace Lutheran Church at 220 South Nolton Avenue in Willow Springs, Illinois.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents Valentine and Mildred Theres, his sisters Beverly Theres and Patricia Crandall, his brother-in-law Dwayne Crandall, his sister-in-law Rose Theres, and his grandson Shane Jeffery. Bill will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him and loved him. His memory will live on in the hearts of those he touched.
Visitation was held February 24 at Grace Lutheran Church, 212 S. Nolton Avenue, Willow Springs, with a Service. Cremation rites have been accorded. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice, Illinois. 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.
ROY J. VENEGAS
Roy J. Venegas, C.F.D., age 91, of Chicago, Clearing Community passed away peacefully March 1, with his loving family at his side.
Roy was a dedicated and proud Chicago Fire Fighter for over 30 years before his retirement 6 years ago. He was last stationed at Battalion 16, Engine 32. He served for seven years in the Army National Guard. Roy was blessed with the love of his family, and was a devoted husband, wonderful father and cherished grandfather and great grandfather and loving son. He was married for 30 years to the love of his life, his loving wife, Sylvia. A loving father to Alejandro (Dalia) and cherished grandfather of Jisenda (Andrew) and Abram and Juan and great grandfather to Liam and Adrienne. Much loved son of Valentina and the late Rogelio Venegas. He is survived by his brothers and sisters, Aurora, Adel, Ray, Angela, Rudy, Norman, Nancy, Anna Marie, and the late Tita “Peaches” and his many nieces and nephews. Roy was a loving and dedicated person, who despite all his medical struggles was always willing to help anyone who was in need. He will be forever remembered for strength, love, loyalty and compassion for everyone.
Visitation was held March 5 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave. (55th street just west of Harlem). Rev. Bill McFarland, Chaplain for the Chicago Fire Department offered prayers for Roy. Visitation March 6 at the funeral home until time of Prayers. Procession from the funeral home to Two Holy Martyrs Parish, St. Symphorosa Church for a Mass of Christian Burial. Roy was laid to rest at Resurrection Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to Roy’s family on his personal tribute website at www.foranfuneralhome.com.
URSULA WENZ
Ursula Wenz (nee Wagner), age 93, passed away February 14.
Beloved wife of the late Kurt Wenz; loving mom of Peter (Mary) Wenz and Christine (Mike) Buivis; cherished Oma of Jennifer (Jamie) Tatrai, David (Stephanie) Wenz, Christopher (Erin) Wenz, James and Nicholas White, Deirdre Martin, Alicia Buivis and Michael John Buivis, Jr.; dear great-grandmother of Courtney, Emma, Abigail, Mathis, Boden, and Callista. Loved and remembered by her nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Visitation was held February 28 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Interment, Bethania Cemetery, Justice. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.
Local News
Palos Golf returns to Tinley Expo despite loss of longtime owner
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva The Tinley Park Golf Expo returned to the village’s convention center last weekend. So did the Palos Golf Shop. But there was someone very important missing. Thomas Thoss, the longtime owner of the Palos Hills business along with his wife, Nancy, died in October after a battle with cancer. His…
Orland Park officials Geeked up over new safety ranking
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva The Geek has spoken. And Orland Park officials liked what it had to say. The MoneyGeek personal finance technology company ranked Orland Park eighth safest out of 952 United States cities between 30,000 and 100,000 residents for 2021. “As crime continues to rise in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, we…
Willow Springs hires three for police department
Spread the loveBy Steve Metsch All three new hires by the Willow Springs Police Department have some experience working in the village. But as of Jan. 27, they are officially members of the police department. The Willow Springs Village Board, at its most recent meeting, hired Andzeliak Bugajski and Anthony Vosicky as part-time officers and…
Argo wrestlers advance to sectionals
Spread the love From staff reports Nine members of the Argo wrestling team qualified for this weekend’s sectional tournament at the IHSA Class 3A regional at Mount Carmel High School last Saturday. Head Wrestling Coach Matthew McMurray said, “It was a great job by all of our wrestlers as they finished in third place. We…
Spartan Educational Foundation presents Rat Pack tribute
Spread the loveBy Kelly White Oak Lawn Community High School’s Spartan Educational Foundation is dedicated to helping students fulfill their dreams. “The Spartan Educational Foundation is continuously looking for opportunities to raise funding to support our student scholarship and staff mini-grant programs,” Michael Riordan, Superintendent at Oak Lawn Community Hight School and Spartan Educational Foundation…
Stickney’s St. Pius X Parish to merge with St. Leonard
Spread the loveBy Bob Bong St. Pius X Parish in Stickney will merge with St. Leonard Parish in Berwyn this summer, Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, archbishop of Chicago, announced last month. The merger is part of the archdiocese’s ongoing Renew My Church initiative and will take effect on July 1. The new parish will have one…
La Grange twins are Chick Evans scholars
Spread the loveBy Steve Metsch Long hours spent in the La Grange Country Club’s caddie shack – killing time by reading books or playing cards as they wait to be called to duty – have paid off for a brother and sister. Through the past four years, Caroline and Casey Hart honed their skills, learned…
Fun from above
Spread the love While some folks see heavy snowfall and curse the skies, children in Clearing and Garfield Ridge seemed thrilled with last week’s winter windfall. Schools cancelled classes, and kids like Garfield Ridge sisters Makayla, 10, and 6-year-old Mia Hernandez grabbed their plastic sleds and rode ripples of white all afternoon on a large…
Brother Rice’s 11-game win streak ends with loss to Leo
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Staff writer In seemingly a blink of an eye, Brother Rice picked up as many losses as it had all season. The Crusaders headed into last weekend’s action with a 21-2 record and was 10-0 in the Chicago Catholic League Blue. But Friday night, they suffered a 56-50 setback to…
Evergreen Park High School student excels at multiplying
Spread the loveBy Kelly White An Evergreen Park Community High School student has been adding up his future. Sophomore Xarles “Chaz” Barnes recently discovered a unique talent of being able to multiply any two numbers ranging from 1-100 simply in his head. Barnes said he does not memorize the answers, they just come to him…
Neighbors
Memorial service honors longtime Independence art teacher
Spread the loveBy Kelly White Palos School District 128 honored the life of one of its beloved educators with a Memorial Service. The service at Independence Jr. High School, 6610 W. Highland Dr., Palos Heights, May 24 honored the legacy of longtime art teacher, Mike Maholland, of Hickory Hills, who passed away on February 18.…
Oak Lawn Chamber to sponsor Restaurant Week
Spread the loveBy Bob Bong More than a dozen restaurants have signed up to take part in the Oak Lawn Chamber of Commerce’s inaugural Restaurant Week in June. “This is a new endeavor for us,” said Anne Fritz, chamber executive director. “This will be our unofficial kick off to summer.” Fritz said the chamber’s marketing…
One-in-a-million blue-eyed cicada found in Orland Park
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Kelly Simkins is an aspiring musician and someday she just might hit the stage and perform a Frank Sinatra song. Meanwhile, the Crestwood resident is partnering with another “Ol Blue Eyes” for a little fame. So, start spreading the news… Simkins, who owns Merlin’s Rockin’ Pet Show, was in Orland…
Summit looks to replace aging pedestrian bridge
Spread the loveBy Carol McGowan Generations of Summit residents have used the 74th Avenue pedestrian bridge and village officials are now getting ready to replace the aging structure. Village Engineer Tim Klass from Novotny Engineering recently discussed replacing the bridge with a crowd of about 75 people at a community meeting on May 15 at…
Flagg Creek golfers will pay more for greens fees
Spread the loveBy Steve Metsch It will cost more to play at Flagg Creek Golf Course in Countryside this summer. The Pleasant Dale Park District, by a 4-1 vote, recently approved a rate increase that had been unanimously approved by the Countryside City Council in April. The park district and city are co-owners of Flagg…
McCook fire hydrants to be sandblasted and painted
Spread the loveBy Steve Metsch Decades of paint – some three-quarters of an inch thick – will be sandblasted off most of the fire hydrants in McCook this summer. “For 30, 40 years we’ve been painting over them. They’ve never been sandblasted. It’s well overdue,” Mayor Terrance Carr said during the most recent board meeting.…
Woman sentenced in 2003 murders of newborn twins
Spread the loveFrom staff reports A 44-year-old woman, charged in the 2003 deaths of her newborn twins following an extensive cold case investigation by Cook County Sheriff’s Police, has been convicted of murder. On May 8, Cook County Sheriff Thomas J. Dart announced that Antoinette Briley pled guilty to murder at the Bridgeview Courthouse and…
McCook approves ‘preventive’ rodent control program
Spread the loveBy Steve Metsch The McCook Village Board earlier this month approved what Mayor Terrance Carr calls “preventive maintenance.” The board on May 6 unanimously approved paying Rose Pest Solutions $12,000 for a 10-week rodent control program throughout the village. It’s not that the McCook now has a rat problem, Carr said. It’s that…
Summit, property owners discuss apartment inspections
Spread the loveBy Carol McGowan Nearly 75 people attended a community meeting last Wednesday evening in the multi-purpose room of Graves School to learn about changes coming to the village. Three topics highlighted the meeting. Rental property inspections, lead line replacement, and replacing the 74th Avenue pedestrian bridge. Mayor Sergio Rodriguez tackled the controversial rental…
Tollway to hand out free transponder stickers in Justice
Spread the loveBy Carol McGowan Earlier this year, the Illinois Tollway began phasing out the plastic I-Pass transponder and introduced a sticker tag that goes on your vehicle’s windshield. If you’re still using a transponder, or want to get a new sticker, the Village of Justice is the place to be on Saturday, June 8.…