REV. EDWARD J. CRONIN

Rev. Edward J. Cronin, retired priest of the Archdiocese of Chicago and former pastor of St. Alexander Parish in Palos Heights, passed away Sunday, June 2, 2024, at the age of 69.

Rev. Cronin was born on Nov. 8, 1954, in Chicago. He attended St. Francis de Sales High School and Quigley Preparatory Seminary in Chicago, Niles College in Niles and the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary in Mundelein. He completed his post-graduate studies at the University of San Francisco in California.

Rev. Cronin was ordained to the priesthood on May 14, 1980, by Cardinal John Cody, and celebrated his first solemn Mass on May 24, 1980 at Immaculate Conception Parish in Highland Park.

After ordination to the priesthood, Rev. Cronin served as associate pastor at St. Lawrence O’Toole Parish in Matteson, St. Cletus Parish in La Grange and St. Thomas the Apostle Parish on Woodlawn Avenue in Chicago. In 1987, Cronin also became a part-time on-call chaplain at La Grange Memorial Hospital.

Later, Rev. Cronin joined the University of St. Mary of the Lake in Mundelein as an adjunct faculty member from 1990 until 1997 and was an instructor of “Rural Ministry, the Catholic Church in Rural America.”

Following his time at USML, Rev. Cronin served as pastor of St. Alexander Parish in Palos Heights, St. Jane de Chantal Parish on Austin Avenue and St. Helen Parish on Augusta Boulevard, both in Chicago. He served as associate pastor at Our Lady of Unity Parish and director of St. Stephen of Hungary Mission in Chicago until his retirement in 2022.

Rev. Henry Kricek, archdiocesan priest and one of Rev. Cronin’s classmates, remembers him as a good man who was “very dedicated to the archdiocese and the priesthood.” Kricek recalled his dedication saying, “everything he did, he did well. I only ever heard good things about him.”

Rev. Cronin was profiled in a 2019 Chicago Catholic article that reflected his care for animals, especially his dogs Bella and Kazu. “Man is fulfilled when he is more in sync with the rest of God’s creation, and that includes the animal kingdom.”

All funeral services were at St. Thomas More Mission, 2825 W. 81st St., in Chicago. Interment was at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Evergreen Park.

GEORGE J. FOX

George J. Fox, 76, of Orland Park, passed away peacefully on May 29, 2024.

He was a Navy veteran of the Vietnam War and a Chicago police officer.

George is survived by his devoted wife, Judy Niehus Fox; his children, Nick, Jay, the late Brian, Stephen (Tiffany) and Stacey. He was the proud grandfather to Adrianna and a beloved brother to Gloria (Heinz Pieniak) Huffman and the late Robert Fox. Beloved “Uncle Butch” to his nieces and nephews.

He served in the Navy from 1967 to 1971 and served in Vietnam. He was very proud of being a veteran. He enjoyed his Veterans Day celebrations with his granddaughter at her school each year.

George was very proud to serve as a Chicago police officer for 29 years. He entered the Chicago Police Department on March 2, 1970. His nickname on the job was “Sly Fox.” He always had a story to tell about his days on the job. He retired from the 8th District on January 15, 1999.

Family was Number 1 to him. There wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for his family. He was the “rock” of the Fox Family and he knew everything about everyone at all times. That was the police officer in him.

He was the man of Christmas and took so much pride in his Christmas decorations and celebrations.

George was the life of the party and enjoyed being with friends. He had a loud presence. You always knew he was in the room because he was always yelling at someone.

He was a staple in the West Lawn neighborhood and spent many years coaching his kids’ baseball and basketball teams. That loud presence was definitely seen on the baseball field.

After retiring, he and Judy spent time traveling. They loved to road trip for weeks at a time.

He enjoyed bowling and bowled in a league almost his entire life. And if he wasn’t bowling, he was at the casino. They took many trips to Vegas and though those trips changed a bit in more recent years, he embraced riding that scooter up and down the strip with Judy in tow.

His hobbies shifted a bit as he aged and the Tuesday and Thursday card nights with his sister, Heinz and Judy were the highlight of his week.

Everyone knew that what George wanted, George got. There wasn’t anyone that was going to make him do anything that he didn’t want to do.

Over the years, George had a great medical team but he wasn’t a good patient and he never surrendered. His legacy of being a strong family man will live on in the Fox Family.

The Fox family extends gratitude to his co-workers at American Heritage Protective Services.

In Lieu of flowers, donations to Disabled American Veterans would be appreciated.

Funeral services were held at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice, and Saint Linus Church, 10300 Lawler Avenue, Oak Lawn. Interment, Resurrection Cemetery, Justice.

JOAN E. GUYTON

Mrs. Joan E. Guyton, age 92, of Chicago Heights, earned her wings in this life and passed into eternity May 5.

Joan was born on July 23, 1931, to Arthur and Emma Bassch (nee Miller) in Chicago. She attended Lindblom high school on the Southside of Chicago. Joan worked many jobs throughout her career, including Illinois Farmers Insurance, Allied Van Lines, United States Steel Corp, Luther High School, and Kool Aid, way before it was cool! She was devoted to secretarial services, which benefited from her extreme attention to detail, amazing note-taking and accurate bookkeeping abilities.

She is preceded in death by her beloved daughters, Judith and Susan Agate, dearest brother-in-law, Carl Agate, and survived by her sister-in-law, Mary Agate (nee Davidson). She was loved and adored by many nieces and nephews, who remember her fondly. Joan was a devout Christian and enjoyed going to weekly mass and praying for, and with others. She cherished spending time with family and friends, always bringing laughter and joy with her wonderful, constant smile and firecracker personality. Her love of baking and cooking was a passion learned and passed on from her mother-in-law, Jenny Agate. Joan was known for her sweet and kind demeanor, truly a beautiful soul. Joan was a member of St. Irenaeus Catholic Church in Park Forest for many years until its closing in 2022. We are sad Joan is no longer with us, but ecstatic she was reunited with her beloved daughters, mother, and father whom she adored. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her. May she rest in peace.

Visitation was held May 13, with a service immediately following at Damar-Kaminski Family Funeral Home 7861 S. 88th Ave. Justice. Funeral was held May 13. Funeral Service and Time of Remembrance were held at the funeral home. Interment, Bethania Cemetery, Justice. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.

JOZEF KOWALSKI

Jozef Kowalski, age 79, passed away April 25.

Beloved husband of 54 years of Stefania Kowalski (nee Kudelka); dearest father of Elizabeth (Ed) Brettell and Eva (Tomasz) Ulewicz; treasured grandpa of Kalinka Ulewicz; cherished son of the late Wladyslawa (nee Zalesna) and the late Edward Kowalski; dear brother of the late Boleslaw (the late Janina) Kowalski, Kazimierz (Mariola) Kowalski and Peter (Marianne) Kowalski. Lovingly survived by nieces, nephews, relatives and numerous friends. Devoted parishioner and volunteer at Saint Daniel the Prophet Church.

Visitation was held April 29 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held April 30, Prayers and procession from the funeral home to Saint Daniel the Prophet Church, 5358 S. Nashville Avenue, Chicago for Mass. Interment, Resurrection Cemetery, Justice.

STANISLAW MARSZALEK

Stanislaw Marszalek, age 79, passed away May 1.

Beloved husband of Sophie Marszalek (nee Lyszczarczyk); loving father of Mary (Janusz) Gasienica, Bozena (Bogdan) Augustyn and the late Tadeusz (Laura) Marszalek; dear grandfather of Thomas (Angelika) Gasienica, Jacob Gasienica (fiancee Beth Jezyk), Celestina Marszalek, Matthew Gasienica, Daniel Marszalek, Madelyn Augustyn, Olivia Augustan and Nathaniel Augustyn; cherished son of the late Izabela (nee Mucha) and the late Franciszek Marszalek; fond brother of Wladyslawa (Jozef) Majchrowicz, Stefan (Mary) Marszale, Jane (John) Morawa and the late Aniela (the late Stanislaw) Wesolowski. Also survived by nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Visitation was held May 7 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held May 8, Prayers and procession from the funeral home to Saint Faustina Kowalska Church, 5255 S. McVicker Avenue, Chicago for Mass. Interment, Resurrection Cemetery, Justice. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.

JOHN GILBERT NELSON

John Gilbert Nelson, 93, of Palos Park, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family.

He was an Army Veteran.

He was the beloved husband of Dolores nee Dziver; loving father of Valerie Nelson Litchfield, Gary (Sharon) and Ron (Julie) Nelson. Cherished grandfather of John Litchfield (Joseph Olszewski), Michael (Caroline) Litchfield, Anne (Fidel) Calderon, Sam (Natalie) Nelson, Madeline, Maddox and Sydney Nelson. Proud great-grandfather of 6.; devoted son of the late Andrew and Lydia nee Arvidsson Nelson; dearest brother of the late Erling (the late Betty) Nelson; kind uncle of Kurt (Beverly) Nelson, Jacqueline (Mark) King and the late Sandra (Phil) Azzarello.

He was 40-plus year member with the Elevator Constructors Local 2, member of the Elks Lodge 1596 and the Sacred Heart Fun Club.

In lieu of flowers contributions to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital would be appreciated or visit www.stjude.org.

Funeral services were held at the Palos-Gaidas Funeral Home, 11028 Southwest Hwy., Palos Hills, and Sacred Heart Church. Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

JOSEPH C. PAWLIKOWSKI

Joseph C. Pawlikowski, age 80.

Beloved husband of the late Erline (nee Hassett); loving father of Margie Spurrier and Tracy Pawlikowski; dear grandfather of Noah Gilbert; dearest brother of Joanna (Russell) Koenig.

Memorial Visitation was held June 7, followed by a prayer service at the Richard-Midway Funeral Home, 5749 Archer Ave. (corner of Lorel). For more information, please call 773-767-1840.

LISA A. PELLEGRINO

Lisa A. Pellegrino, age 58, passed away May 17.

Memorial Service was held May 28 at Szykowny Funeral Home. Final resting place Durand Cemetery.

MARIA R. PRADO

Maria R. Prado, age 101, passed away April 30.

Visitation was held May 2 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held May 2, Prayers and procession from the funeral home to St. Fabian Church ,7450 W. 83rd Street, Bridgeview for Mass. Interment, Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Hillside. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.

FRANK P. RICHARDS, JR

Frank P. Richards, Jr., age 65, of Chicago.

Beloved son of the late Frank P., Sr. and Georgianna J. (Tapper) Richards; loving father of Raquel (Alex) Nowak; dear grandfather of Jordyn, Alana and Josie; cherished brother of Michael (Karen), Robert, Kathleen, Patricia Sawyer (Art Tefo), April (Scott) Pyter and the late David; dear uncle of Travis, Wendy, Noah, Caleb, Georgianna and Kendall; fond partner of Patricia Bedran.

Visitation was held June 10, followed by a Prayer Service at the Richard-Midway Funeral Home, 5749 Archer Ave. (corner of Lorel). For more information, please call 773-767-1840.

RONALD M. SOMMERFIELD

Ronald M. Sommerfield, age 77, of Chicago, passed away May 20.

Beloved husband of late wife Kathy for 52 years; loving son to the late Raymond and Marian; loving father of Ronald J. of Arizona, Derek (Shawn) of Chicago and Kevin (Alicea Dewees) of Glen Ellen; loving grandfather to Kristy, Dustin, Danielle, Hanna, and Cadence; devoted brother to Thomas and Paul. Fond uncle to many nieces and nephews.

Visitation was held May 29 at Szykowny Funeral Home LTD.  Funeral Mass was held May 30, at St. Bruno Church.

LESLAW SWIGON

Leslaw Swigon, age 61, passed away May 4.

Beloved husband of Renata Swigon (nee Leja); loving father of Klaudia Swigon, Patrycja Swigon and Kamila (Mariusz) Janikowski; dearest grandpa of Victoria Janikowski; cherished son of Anna (nee Krzanicka) and the late Dezyderiusz Swigon; fond brother of the late Janusz (the late Emilia) Swigon and Marta (the late Dominik) Wilk; dear uncle of Diana Wilk-Klimasz and Justyna Szybalski. Also survived by relatives and friends.

Visitation was held May 8 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held May 9, Prayers and procession from the funeral home to Saint Albert the Great Church, 8029 S. Central Avenue, Burbank for Mass. Interment, Resurrection Cemetery, Justice. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.

JAKE “JACOB THOMAS” WILLINGHAM

Jake “Jacob Thomas” Willingham, age 19, of South Elgin, passed away May 5, in Chicago.

Born on July 18, 2004, in Geneva, Jake was a vibrant soul with a deep love for cars and life itself. He attended South Elgin High School and was preparing to embark on his college journey this year.

Jake is survived by his loving mother, Erin Katralis, stepfather Pete Katralis, sisters Allyson and Sophia, brother Peter Jr, father Thomas Willingham, grandfather’s Russ (Lori) Willingham and Mike (Suzanne) Cody, aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends that are like family. He was preceded in death by his grandmothers, great-grandparents, and several aunts and uncles. Jake’s zest for life and his warm sense of humor will be dearly missed by all who knew him. He was loved so very much and the void he left will be felt for the remainder of our lifetime. We love you Jacob Thomas – I know you’re up there watching over us. Always ever, baby boy. May he rest in peace.

Visitation was held May 9 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifailyfuneralhomes.com.

LEO M. ZARAGOZA (V)

Leo M. Zaragoza, a devoted family man and dedicated worker, passed away peacefully on April 6, at the age of 92.

Born on June 7, 1931, Leo grew up with a love for life and a strong sense of duty.  He attended high school, then enlisted in the United States Army, serving his county with honor and distinction.  After his military service, Leo embarked on a long, fulfilling career with Socony Mobil Oil, working diligently until his well-deserved retirement.  His colleagues remember him as a hard-working, reliable, kind-hearted individual who always gave his best.  Leo was married to the love of his life, Beatrice, until her passing.  Together, they built a loving family and shared many wonderful years.  Leo is survived by his three children: sons Daniel (his late wife, Patricia), Kenneth (his wife, Donna), and daughter Patricia (her significant other, Jim).  He was a proud, supportive father, always there to offer guidance and love.  Leo was also a cherished grandfather to Daniel E. (his wife, Tammy) and their children, Zoe, Mia, Ivy and Aidan: Todd (his significant other, Liz): Michael (his wife, Holly) and their son, Leo: Maria (her husband, Tom): Gina (her significant other, Nick): and Brian Andrews (his wife, Samantha).  He took great pride in his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, finding immense joy in their accomplishments and presence.  In his leisure time, Leo found joy in the simple pleasures of life.  He was an avid reader of the Sun-Times, a lover of music, and a passionate football fan.  Sundays were often spent cheering on his favorite teams, surrounded by the warmth of family.  Leo’s life was marked by his dedication to his family, work, and country.  He leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and integrity.  His memory will be cherished by all who knew him.

A private family service will be held to honor Leo’s life and service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to a charity of your choice in Leo’s memory.  Leo M. Zaragoza will be deeply missed, but his spirit will live on in the hearts of his loved ones forever.  For more information, please call 773-767-1840.

THOMAS ZUK

Thomas Zuk, age 30, passed away June.

Cherished son of Waldemar Zuk and Anna Budzinska-Zuk; dear brother of Edwin Zuk. Also survived by aunts, uncles, cousins, relatives and friends.

Visitation was held June 5 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held June 6, 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.