JOAN CATHERINE BERTUCCI

Joan Catherine Bertucci (nee Leech), age 85, passed away February 22.

She was a loving mother to the late Madelin Fickett, Margaret (Paul) Dowda, Edward Fickett, David Fickett, and Angelina Bertucci; adoring grandmother to Melissa (Greg) Pytlak, to the late Michael (Kristi) Meloy, to Monique (Scott) Tyrrell, Maghann (Erik) McDaniel, Bradley Dowda, and Brijon Smith; dearest great grandmother to Ethan, Hayden, Jaxon, and Scarlett Pytlak, Jonathan, Logan, Michael, and Aubrey Meloy, Ariana, Olivia and Noah Tyrell, Sean, Jack and Nicholas McDaniel; cherished daughter to the late John and Norma Leech; fond sister to Charlotte (George) Heisler and late John Leech. She was a special aunt to Shelly Leech. Also, she was survived by many nieces, nephews, and great friends.

Joan’s celebration of life was held March 9 at St. Daniel the Prophet Church, 5358 S. Nashville Avenue, Chicago. Visitation was followed by mass. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.

HUNTER D. BLAKE

Hunter D. Blake, age 26, passed away February 22.

Cherished son of Diane Blake (nee Conoboy) and Harry K. Blake; loving brother of Harry M. Blake; dear grandson of Dolores and the late Donald Conoboy and the late Bridget “Bridie” and the late Michael Blake. Also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, relatives and friends. Hunter will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Visitation was held March 9 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Cremation rites have been accorded. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.

SOCORRO CORRAL

Socorro Corral, nee Calvo was born May 18, 1941 and passed peacefully at her home on March 10, 2024. She was born in Santiago Papsq. Durango, Mex. to her loving parents, Luis and Concepcion Corral. Soco was cared for by her beloved husband of 64 years, Jose Calvo, and 8 children at her home during the couple of months of her illness.  What Soco loved the most was spending quality time with her 8 kids, Olivia, Victor, Adan, Miguel, Javier, Maricela, Armando and her beloved 23 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Soco was a faithful Christian and a member of the Chicago Church of Christ. She loved worshipping God all the time, sharing meals with others and building on her relationships with her spiritual family. She loved sharing her faith with all!  Mom showed her love by cooking for others and being hospitable in her home.  Our mom was noble above all. An example of courage, faith, strength and love to all and will be deeply missed. May God rest her soul until we reunite with her again.

Visitation for Soco was held March 14 at United Lutheran Church, 409 Greenfield Street, Oak Park. A Service for Soco was at the United Lutheral Church that evening.

JONATHAN DeANGELIS

Jonathan Nicholas DeAngelis, 31, passed away suddenly on March 5, 2024. He was surrounded by his loving family.

He was the beloved husband and best friend to Jessica Lynn (nee Hradek); devoted daddy to Savannah Marie and Taitum James DeAngelis; Proud and adored son to Rudolph Alan and Lisa Marie nee Arnold-DeAngelis; Cherished brother of Alexis (David Mahl) and Danielle (Michael Boyce) DeAngelis; Cherished Son-in-Law to Dylan and Wendy Hradek; Dear Brother -in-Law to Jake (fiancée Lexi) Hradek; Dearest Grandson of Marcianne Loschetter-Arnold and the late Ralph (Glenda) Arnold and John and Dana DeAngelis; Proud Uncle and Godfather to Bryce Alan Mahl; Loving nephew of Marcianne (Roy) Metros, Kathleen (Peter) Slusinski, Ted (Jill) DeSaga, Richard DeSaga, Michelle (Curtis) Simonson, Rebecca (Joel) Fry, Liv (Nicholas) Grimm, Inga Arnold, Katrina (Mike) Kleemann, and Osa (Ta) Relacion; Dearest cousin and friend to many.

Family and friends gathered for a celebration of Jonathan’s life on March 15 at Palos-Gaidas Funeral Home (Heinen & Loschetter Funeral Service, Lisa M. DeAngelis, Director), 11028 Southwest Hwy., Palos Hill. A Private Funeral Service was held on March 16. Interment Chapel Hill Garden South Cemetery.

Jon had an unconditional love for his wife, children, family, and friends. He loved his job at NPL and everyone he met along the way. Jon was a one-of-a-kind person and jokester. Whenever you were around him you were laughing. He always had the best one liners and the best dance moves.

Jon was a graduate of Lincoln-Way North High School, Class of 2010, and graduate of Worsham College of Mortuary Science, Class of 2012.

Jon was a diehard Chicago Bears fan and even yelled at the TV during games.

He lit up every room he walked into and he was so happy to see everyone. Jon was full of life and his laugh was contagious. Jon will be remembered by his smile, his laugh, his baby blue eyes, and his loving heart. He was the heart of his family and his friend group. Anyone that knew Jon loved him and he loved them back.

His wife Jessica was his true soul mate and the love of his life. His children were his entire world.

Jon enjoyed cooking, playing darts, bags, fishing, hunting, swimming, bowling, sporting events, and spending time with his family and friends.

We will continue to remember Jon and honor him every single day though out our lives.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to the family’s GoFundMe page would be appreciated https://www.gofundme.com/f/jonathan-n-deangelis

MARY ANN DERANGO

Our hearts are broken to announce the passing of Mary Ann DeRango (nee Fitzgerald), on Sunday, March 10, 2024, with her loving family by her side.

She was the beloved wife for 48 years to her high school sweetheart, Eugene “Gene” DeRango; loving and devoted mother of Gene (Lauren) DeRango and Katie (Tony) Navickas; cherished grandmother of Samantha, Sofia, Nicholas, Anthony John “AJ” and Ava; dear sister of Kathy (Ken) Majetich, Richard (MaryEllen) Fitzgerald, Colleen (Curt) Ford and John Fitzgerald; dear sister in law of Frank DeRango, Rob (Karen) DeRango and the late John (Karen) DeRango;   dear aunt to Trish Mann, John Rowley, Andy Majetich, Jay (Kara) Majetich, Megan (Kevin) Dorrell, Kerry (Saurabh) De, Kris Ford, Sean Ford, John DeRango, Michael (Jill) DeRango, Bob (Ariana) DeRango, Robyn DeRango , Stephanie DeRango, Erica (Dean) Hunter, Rob (Jenna) DeRango, Lauren (Frank) Grigus and Nick (Lori) DeRango. Fond great aunt to many.  She was preceded in death by her beloved parents Richard and Kathleen (nee Bowler) Fitzgerald. Mary Ann had a special way of connecting with people and was always willing to lend a hand to those who needed one. She will be remembered for her kindness, warmth and generosity, she was truly a treasure. To know her was to love her. She will be deeply missed, always loved and forever remembered.

Visitation was held March 15 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave. (55th street just west of Harlem). Visitation was held March 16 at the funeral home until time of Prayers. Procession from the funeral home to Two Holy Martyrs Parish, St. Rene Goupil Church for a Mass of Christian Burial. Mary Ann was laid to rest at Resurrection Cemetery.

ROSA JUAREZ 

Rosa Juarez (nee Hernandez), age 75, passed away February 28.

Beloved wife of Samuel Juarez; loving mom of James Rodarte, Leticia Rodarte, Diana (Carlos O.) Jimenez-Rodarte, and Yecenia Juarez; dear grandmother of Stephanie V. Alvarez, Christopher A. Correa, Destiny Jimenez, Isaiah R. Ramirez, and Elijah S. Ramirez; dearest great-grandmother of Deonte A. Polk and Annalise Isabel Correa; cherished daughter of the late Guadalupe Ramirez and the late Adolfo Hernandez; fond sister of Florentino, Baltazar, Jose Luis, ad Maria Elisa Hernandez.

Visitation was held March 1 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held March 2, Service and Time of Remembrance were held at the funeral home. Interment, Resurrection Cemetery, Justice. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.

EDWARD KRAJEWSKI

Edward Krajewski, age 72, passed away February 26.

Lovingly survived by his family and friends. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Funeral was held March 5, family and friends gathered at Our Lady Mother of the Church Polish Mission, 116 Hilton Street, Willow Springs for 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.

JOSEPHINE MACHALICA

Josephine Machalica, a beacon of unwavering faith and boundless love, embarked on her eternal dance on February 24, 2024, at the age of 88. Born on March 23, 1935, in the bustling city of Chicago, Josephine’s life was a vibrant tapestry woven with joy, generosity, and the melodies of Broadway musicals.

Her journey led her from the Windy City to the tranquil embrace of Wimberley, TX, where she gracefully concluded her earthly sojourn. Josephine’s legacy is cherished by her adoring family, including her beloved daughter Donna Niewold, her supportive son-in-law Bill Niewold, and her treasured granddaughters Jessica and Erica Niewold. She was reunited in passing with her devoted husband, Michael Machalica, whose memory continued to be a source of strength and inspiration throughout her life.

Visitation was held March 2 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice, with a Service and Time of Remembrance held at the funeral home. Interment, Resurrection Cemetery, Justice. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.

KATIE EILEEN MALONEY

Katie Eileen Maloney, age 33, passed away March 5.

Cherished daughter of Timothy and Gail (nee Michalowski); loving mother of Brooke and Edward; dear sister of Samantha (Tom) Kohler and Moreen (Leo) Diaz; much loved granddaughter of Valentine and Eileen Michalowski and the late Bud and late Betty Maloney; fond aunt to Johnathan and Jacob. Dearest niece and cousin to many.

A Memorial Visitation in Celebration of Katie was held March 16 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave. (55th street just west of Harlem). Please keep Katie in your prayers. May she rest in peace in the loving arms of our Heavenly Father. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Katie’s honor to namisouthsuburbsofchicago.org or waybackinn.org.

LUIS CORRAL MARTEL

Luis Corral Martel passed away at home March 8.

He was the loving husband for 66 years to M. Margarita (nee Fragoso); cherished father of Luis (Mary) Corral, Mauricio (Magdalena) Corral and Martha (Marcus) Mendoza and the late Alfredo Corral; loving grandfather of Candace (Joey) Alvarado, Dr. Alexandra Corral, Anthony Corral, Nathalie Corral, Nelson Corral, Benjamin (Rose Kelly) Mendoza and Rachel Mendoza (Scott Jones); proud great grandfather of Diego and Camilla Alvarado, Rex and Graham Mendoza and Madeline Jones. Luis was a loving brother to many and loving uncle to many, many nieces and nephews and great godfather to many, and he was a good neighbor to all. A very kindhearted, loving and religious man, Luis instilled in his children and grandchildren his own qualities of kindness, honesty, integrity and generosity. Before his retirement, he was a dedicated employee for almost 40 years to Soo Line/Canadian Pacific Railroad in Schiller Park.

Visitation was held March 13 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave. (55th street just west of Harlem). Visitation March 14 at the funeral home until time of Prayers. Procession from the funeral home to Mother of the Americas Catholic Church for a mass of Christian Burial. Luis was laid to rest at Resurrection Cemetery.

ROBERT PIETRUSZKA

Robert Michael Pietruszka, 69, of Oak Lawn, passed away suddenly on March 16, 2024.

Robert, fondly known as Bob or Bobby, was born on July 16, 1954, to Sophie and Frank Pietruszka. Loving husband of Caroline Pietruszka. Beloved dad (papa bear) of Kristen Pietruszka and the late Keith Pietruszka. Proud Papa of Noelle and Aryka Pietruszka and Jackson Mayer. Dear brother of Tom and Barbara; kind uncle, cousin and friend to many.

Bob loved motorcycles, shooting, and helping Caroline around the house. He was a self-employed master of everything from painting, to owning a restaurant, vending machines, providing security services and everything in between.

Bob was a loving and good person, someone you could always count on, the glue to his family, and the best teammate to Caroline. He loved his family and will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

Family and friends will gather for visitation Thursday, March 21, from 3-8 p.m. Funeral services will be Friday at 10 a.m. at Palos-Gaidas Funeral Home, 11028 Southwest Hwy., Palos Hills.  Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

CHRISTINA M. RIZZO

Christina M. Rizzo, age 57, passed away February 24.

Born July 19, 1966 gained her wings February, 24 2024. Christina was a wonderful mother and grandmother. She leaves behind her 2 children Mia Zahnd and Dustyn Zahnd and 6 grandchildren Michael, Genevieve, Jesse, Rylee, Ellieanna and Lucas, who she cherished above all else. She was a strong, independent woman who lived her life the way she wanted and didn’t let anybody or anything stand in her way. She loved to laugh and make people smile. She always pushed her children to be better than they were yesterday. She forgave easy and loved hard. When she said “I love you” she meant unconditionally, no matter what. You never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory. So, treat every moment like it’s a treasure to be cherished because it could be the last.

Visitation was held March 3 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Cremation rites accorded. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.

DARRELL SCHLANGE

Darrell Schlange O.D., D.O.S. October 18, 1939 — March 10, 2024

Darrell Gene Schlange, O.D, D.O.S, 84, of Palos Heights, passed away on March 10, 2024.

He was born on October 18, 1939, in Auburn, Nebraska. Darrell was a dedicated Associate Professor of Optometry at Illinois College of Optometry and also had a successful private practice in the Palos Heights area.

He was known for his multiple research presentations both in the U.S. and internationally, as well as his publications.

He was a proud graduate having excelled at Wartburg College and Illinois College of Optometry, where he graduated as valedictorian. Darrell furthered his education at the University of Chicago.

Darrell worshipped at the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd and found solace in his faith.

He had a wide range of hobbies, including birdwatching, photography, travel, spending time with his family, playing games, enjoying classical music, actively participating in church activities, and engaging in philanthropic endeavors.

He will be deeply missed by his beloved wife Ruth; children Stephen (Deborah), Anne (Kris), Jonathan, grandchildren Savanna, Jack, Dylan, Shannen, Conor, and Victoria; great-granddaughter Maisie; siblings Joanne, Alene, Mark, as well as many other family members and friends. Darrell is predeceased by his father Alvin, mother Augusta, sisters Gloria and Mary, and granddaughter Brittany.

Darrell will be remembered for his kindness, love, humor, caring nature, generosity, hard work, honesty, ethics, and Christian values.

His legacy of dedication to his profession, commitment to his family, and service to his community will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Visitation was March 17 at the Kerry Funeral Home, 7020 W. 127th Street, Palos Heights. Funeral services were held March 18 at the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Palos Heights. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Dr. Darrell Schlange, O.D. Scholarship at the Illinois College of Optometry at www.ico.edu/make-a-gift

ANTONI “ANTEK” WALUSZKO 

Antoni “Antek” Waluszko, age 62, passed away March 1.

Beloved husband of Janina Waluszko (nee Puchalska); loving father of Krystian Waluszko, Carolina Waluszko and Sylvia Waluszko; dearest grandfather of Mateusz Waluszko; cherished son of the late Irena (nee Cybulko) and the late Eugeniusz Waluszko; dear brother of Bożena (the late Jan) Lenkiewicz, Janina (the late Jozef) Radomska, Irena (Antoni) Bolesta, Andrzej (Teresa) Waluszko and the late Helena (the late Antoni) Sienko. Loved and remembered by his nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Visitation was held March 6at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held March 7, 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.

GEORGE L. ZVONEK

George L.  Zvonek, 77, of Tinley Park, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 18, 2024 surrounded by his loving family.

He was an Army veteran.

He was the beloved husband of Loretta (nee Bandyk) Zvonek; loving father of George (Lori) Zvonek and Barbara Zvonek; BFF and proud Papa of Madelyn; grandpa to Jorianne, Mallory, and Teddi; devoted son of the late George M. and Anna (nee Jablonski) Zvonek; dearest brother of Carol (Fred) Michalek and the late AnnaMae (the late Joe) Valero; kind uncle to many nieces and nephews.

He was retired after 30 years with the CTA.

Family and friends will gather for visitation Monday, March 25, 3-8 p.m.  Funeral services will be Tuesday, March 26, at 9 a.m. from the Palos-Gaidas Funeral Home, 11028 Southwest Highway, Palos Hills, to Saint Stephen’s Deacon and Martyr Church for Mass at 10 a.m. Interment St. Casimir Cemetery.

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