Funeral2

Obituaries October 31, 2024

AguilarMARIA B. AGUILAR

Maria B. Aguilar who was born on November 25, 1945 passed away on October 13, 2024 at the age of 78.

Visitation was held Friday October 18. Funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Rita of Cascia on Saturday October 19.  Her final resting place is at St. Casimir Cemetery.  Service was celebrated by Szykowny Funeral Home LTD. 4901 S. Archer Ave., Chicago, IL 60632.  (773) 735-7521 Jonathan F. Siedlecki Funeral Director.

BrooksANGEL LORRAINE BROOKS

Angel Lorraine Brooks, a name synonymous with boundless creativity and a heart as warm as the fall season she so adored, embarked on her final journey on September 28, 2024, in Oak Lawn. Known to her friends and loved ones as Angel Lorraine Fierro, she carried the kind of joy that could light up the dimmest of rooms, much like her favorite holiday, Halloween, lights up the autumn night.

Born on January 24, 1983, in El Paso, Texas, Angel was the vibrant daughter of Angel Lorenzo Fierro and Raquel S Fierro, who undoubtedly instilled in her the values of love and family that she cherished throughout her life. She grew up alongside her siblings, Michelle Fierro-Andres, Jennifer Murillo, and Michael J Fierro, weaving a tapestry of memories filled with laughter and the occasional mischievous prank that only siblings can appreciate.

Angel’s love for her children, Clarissa Raquel Simons, Jakob Bruce Simons, and Andrea Jurate Emilia Brooks, was as fierce as her hairdryer on the highest setting. She was their first and forever cheerleader, always ready with a snack, a joke, or a spontaneous dance party to brighten their days. She embraced the role of grandmother to her doting granddaughter Juniper Elaine Campbell. They were the true highlights of her life, each one carrying a spark of her spirit and a dash of her artistic flair. As an aunt to Maximus G Murillo and Marisol G Murillo, graced them always with her big smile and big hugs.

The laughter that Angel brought into this world was shared with her long-time boyfriend, Joseph Thompson. Together, they navigated the twists and turns of life with the ease of a perfectly executed hair flip, and their love story was one for the books—romantic, enduring, and with just the right amount of hairspray.

Funeral was held Thursday, October 10, 2024, family and friends gathered at Saint Blase Church (Blessed Martyrs of Chimbote Parish), 6101 S. 75th Avenue, Summit, 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.

FrazerDEBRA M. FRAZER

Debra M. Frazer (nee Thompson), age 70, passed away October 13, 2024.

Beloved wife of Dennis; loving mother of Stacey (Jason CFD) Risley, Dennis Frazer Jr., Louis Frazer and Nick (Donna) Frazer; cherished grandmother of Makayla, Michael, Emily, Kylie, Elaina, Lucy and Anthony; dearest sister of Denise (Marty) Liekis, Dwayne (Angela) Thompson, Darren (Theresa) Thompson, the late Darrell Thompson, and Darlene Addimando. Dear Aunt of many nieces and nephews.

Visitation was held Thursday, October 17, 2024 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave. (55th street just west of Harlem) with a Service in Celebration of Debra’s life.

GronskiANNA GRONSKI

Anna Gronski passed away October 8, 2024, peacefully in Oak Lawn after facing heart disease and stroke with great courage.

She was born on March 25, 1945, in Poland and lived a life full of love, faith, and kindness. Anna was known as the heart of her family. She and her late husband, John Gronski, shared many years together, raising a family grounded in compassion and unity.

Her legacy continues through her children: her daughter, Teri Kasprzak, and husband, Tom, along with their daughters, Julia and Jessica; her son, Adam Gronski, and his wife, Diane, with their children, Alyssa and Jon; and her youngest son, Mark Gronski, and his wife, Meredith, with their sons, Andrew, Luke, Ben, Sam, and Joshua. As we remember her, let us hold onto the warmth, wisdom, and faith she shared with us. Her memory will live on in the hearts of her family and friends.

Visitation was held Thursday, October 10, 2024 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held October 11, 2024, Prayers and procession from the funeral home to Sacred Heart Church, 8245 W. 111th Street, Palos Hills for Mass. Interment, Resurrection Cemetery, Justice. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.

HankiewiczEMMA HANKIEWICZ

Beloved wife of Walter Hankiewicz, loving daughter of the late Henry and the late Nora Vigil; dear daughter-in-law of the late Stanley and the late Helen Hankiewicz; dear sister of Philip Sr. (the late Loretta) Vigil, the late Ralph (the late Nellie) Vigil, the late Peter (the late Carrie) Vigil, the late Henrietta (the late Louis) Garcia, the late Ruth Vigil, and the late Josephine (the late Levi Sr.) Trujillo; dear sister-in-law of the late Edward (Frances) Hankiewicz, the late Frank (Donna) Stoneberg-Hankiewicz, the late Ann (the late Robert) Rosett, and the late Raymond (the late Dolores) Hankiewicz; fond aunt of many nieces and nephews throughout the U.S.

Services will be private.

KorolowPIOTR “PETER” KOROLOW

Piotr “Peter” Korolow, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 4, 2024, in Illinois after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born on February 6, 1953, in Philadelphia, Peter’s life journey was marked by an unwavering spirit of love and kindness that touched all who knew him. Peter’s early years in Philadelphia were filled with the promise of adventure and the warmth of community. His infectious smile and genuine care for others forged lifelong friendships and a reputation as a kind-hearted individual. After finding the love of his life, Krystyna, they built a family together, welcoming their son Daniel Mark Korolow, who would later bring Karina into the family as a beloved daughter-in-law. The joy of Peter’s life further multiplied with the arrival of his grandsons, Andrew Mark and Evan Matteo Korolow, who became the apple of his eye.

Visitation was held Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice, with Service and Time of Remembrance held at the funeral home. Interment, Resurrection Cemetery, Justice. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.

ANN M. LEZON

Ann M. Lezon (nee Felczak), 98, passed away peacefully on Oct. 25, 2024.

She was a Christmas baby, born on December 25, 1925.

She was the beloved wife of the late Chester Lezon; loving mother of Mary Ellen (the late Robert) Sprycha, Paul (Mary) and Joseph (Karin) Lezon and the late Paulette Lezon; cherished grandmother of 12, proud great-grandmother of 13; dearest sister of the late Reverend Leonard Felczak and Sylvia (the late Chester) Barborka.

Ann enjoyed traveling, playing poker, was a member of the “Club,” she was also an outstanding cook. She will be missed and cherished by all.

Funeral services were held Oct. 28, at Sacred Heart Church 8245 W. 111th St., Palos Hills. Interment Resurrection Cemetery.

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

MadejaESTHER M. MADEJA 

Esther M. Madeja (nee Forrester), age 83, passed away October 3, 2024.

Beloved wife of James Madeja; loving mom of Lisa (Dennis) Hermosillo, Tony (Martha Lucero) Madeja, Jimmy Madeja, Michael Madeja and David (Kathy) Madeja; dear grandma of the late Kathryn, Rebecca, Elizabeth, Amanda, Jessica, Joseph, Michael, Joshua and Cynthia; dearest great-grandma of Lucille; cherished daughter of the late Annie (nee Reid) and the late George Forrester; fond sister of Michael (Marie) Forrester, Anne (James) Chambers, Dolores (Freddy) Fox, Maureen (Pete) Mahon and Margaret Smith; sister-in-law of Rosalie (the late Hillery) Harrison, Anne Marie Zawislak, John (Deborah) Madeja, Joan Madeja and the late Rosemary Madeja. Also survived by nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Visitation was held Tuesday, October 8, 2024 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held Wednesday, October 9, 2024, 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.

MorenoISMAEL MORENO

Ismael Moreno, age 36, was born on October 17, 1987 in Chicago, and unexpectedly passed away on Tuesday, October 2, 2024.

Ismael was the devoted fiancé of Patricia Gonzalez; father to his six kids, Damien, Cesar, Bianca, Abigail, Saul “Monkey”, and Andrea. Along with their dog, Snowy. Adored son of Maria Victoria Moreno and Jose Refugio Moreno. Beloved brother of Luis Antonio Moreno (Juana L. Barron), Saul Moreno (Trish O’Reilly), and Beatriz Moreno.

Ismael was proudly raised in the south side of Chicago neighborhood, the Back of the Yards, where he met his lifelong best friends in grammar school. Growing up, Ismael was the youngest son-referred to as flaco by his mom and as Boy by his father and brothers. Ismael grew up being the protective older brother and best friend of Betty. Later in life, he fell in love with his life partner and soulmate, Patty, whom he raised six children with on road trips and adventures to places such as Wisconsin, Disney World, Michigan, New York, and Tennessee.

Visitation was held Monday, October 7, 2024 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice, with Prayers and Procession from the funeral home to Saint Bede the Venerable Church, 4440 W. 83rd Street, Chicago for Mass. Interment, Saint Mary Cemetery, Evergreen Park. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.

PradoARNULFO R. PRADO

Arnulfo R. Prado passed away on Tuesday, October 15, 2024.

He was the beloved husband of Zoyla (nee Juarez); dear father of Rodrigo (Mari) Prado, Irma Prado, Maria (Jose) Aranda, Arnulfo Jr. (Ana)Prado and Fernando (Patricia) Prado; dearest grandfather of Rodrigo Jr., Leticia, Michael, Mark, Vivian, Alejandro, Adrianna, Claudia, Karla and Omar. Much loved great grandfather of 7. Fond brother of Maria Ester Prado, Maria Luisa Aguirre, Jose De Jesus Prado and the late Socorro Prado, late Joaquin Prado and the late Javier Prado. Uncle of many nieces and nephews.

Visitation was Sunday, October 20, 2024 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave. (55th street just west of Harlem). Visitation at the funeral home on October 21 until time of Prayers. Procession from the funeral home to St. Mary Star of the Sea Church for a Mass of Christian burial. Arnullfo will be laid to rest at St. Casimir Cemetery.

ThompsonLEWIS O. THOMPSON

Flag FuneralLewis O. Thompson, of Chicago, West Elsdon community, passed away Saturday, October 12, 2024, twelve days after celebrating his 79th Birthday.

He was the beloved husband of Naomi (nee Chmelovsky); dearest brother of Rubel (the late Howard) Turnbow, Leavel (late Roy) Burlison, Bille (Jim) Clayton and Royce (Beulah)Thompson and the late Coy (Sadie) Thompson, late Luther (late Edith) Thompson, late Douglas (late Kathy) Thompson, late Agnes (late Albert) Foster and late June (late Richard) Hand; dear brother-in-law of Steve (Maria) Chmelovsky, Robert (Carey) Chmelovsky, Amber Thiel (Odie Baltaragis) and Gloria (George) Radcliffe. Lewis will be lovingly remembered by his many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Visitation was held at Foran Funeral Home (55th street just west of Harlem) on Friday, October 18, 2024 with a Celebration of Life Service with Rev. George Williams officiating. Visitation at the funeral home on Saturday, October 19 until time of Prayer Service. Procession from the funeral home to Resurrection Cemetery where Lewis was laid to rest. with Military Honors.

Local News

basketball stock

Southwest Regional Publishing basketball roundup, Dec. 4-5

Dec. 5 Boys TF North 67, Argo 52: Kassam Saleh scored 15 for the Argonauts (2-3, 0-1 South Suburban Red). Girls Reavis 49, Tinley Park 25: Emily Grochola scored 13 points to lead the Rams (4-2, 1-0 South Suburban Red) past the Titans. Shepard 52, TF South 49: Jessica Manley’s 21 points helped the Astros…

With his mom Nicole at his side, Richards running back Myles Mitchell made his college commitment to North Dakota State official on Dec. 4. Photo by Mike Clark

Richards’ Myles Mitchell signs with North Dakota State

Myles Mitchell is one of the state’s premier running backs, with a bright future with one of the nation’s best FCS programs. But the path hasn’t always been easy for the Richards senior, who made his college commitment to North Dakota State official during a signing ceremony on Dec. 4. “Eighth grade was kind of…

Brad Johnson Jr. scored a game-high 19 points to help Curie rally past Lane 48-46 on Dec. 5. Photo by Mike Clark

Brad Johnson Jr. finds range, leads Curie past Lane

Facing what was literally a tall task against Lane on Dec. 5, Curie was in serious need of a spark. Brad Johnson Jr. provided it. Led by 6-foot-10 Penn recruit Dalton Scantlebury, Lane is one of the area’s biggest teams. Curie was undersized by comparison in the Public League Red Shield opener and trailed by…

An inflatable Santa waved to the crowd from the back of a flatbed truck. (Photos by Nuha Abdessalam)

Orland Park Christmas parade lights up the season

“Even in the cold, this parade warms your heart,” said Cathy Garner, an Orland Park resident who joined her twin daughters in Sunday’s Christmas Parade. With temperatures hovering at 25 degrees but feeling like 15 due to the wind chill, residents bundled up in blankets, winter coats, and hats for the beloved tradition. The parade…

23rd Ward Ald. Silvana Tabares

Chicago poll a ‘North Star’ amid 2025 budget disputes, local aldermen say

Change Research conducted an online survey of 801 general election voters from Nov. 18-21, focusing on Chicago’s budget negotiations. The city-wide poll was conducted to discover residents’ opinions about various topics such as politician and group favorability, property taxes, city spending, Chicago’s sanctuary city status and more. The majority of poll respondents identified as Democrats;…

basketball stock

Southwest Regional Publishing basketball roundup, Dec. 2-3

Dec. 3 Boys Andrew 72, Argo 50: Darron Greer Jr. led the Argonauts (2-2) with 14 points. Evergreen Park 70, U-High 58: Keshaun Vaval had 25 points to lead the Mustangs (3-1). Lonnie Mosley added 17 points and Camryn Dandridge grabbed 14 rebounds. Lemont 65, Stagg 35: Omar Barakat scored 17 for the Chargers (0-4).…

football-stock

Football signing day: Local recruits

Here is a list of football players in the Southwest Regional Publishing coverage area committed to Division I schools. Please email additions or corrections to mikeclarkpreps@gmail.com. Brother Rice Tyler Lofton, RB, Illinois State Jimmie Maxson, WR, North Dakota Charlie Stec, Edge, Western Illinois Lyons Tyler Chambers, OL, Northern Illinois Travis Stamm, WR, Illinois State Marist…

CRR_NH

Clear-Ridge Reporter and NewsHound December 4, 2024

Junior Michael Oliver Jr. will be counted on for scoring and leadership for Curie this season. Photo by Mike Clark

Michael Oliver Jr. offers veteran presence for new-look Curie

There are a lot of new faces at Curie this winter. Gone are the five senior starters from a 31-3 team that won the Public League title and lost by two points to eventual Class 4A champion Homewood-Flossmoor in the Elite Eight. But veteran coach Mike Oliver is back and so is his son, junior…

Argo's Kassam Saleh tries to split defenders on his way to the basket for a layup against Plainfield South on Nov. 27. Photo by Xavier Sanchez

Boys basketball notebook: Kassam Saleh, Argo aiming high this season

Kassam Saleh is ready to set the tone for Argo. “As time goes on you gain the most experience on the team and become that leader for everyone else,” said Saleh, a senior guard. “They follow you.” The Argonauts finished runner-up in the John McBride Classic at Stagg, falling 50-44 to Plainfield South on Nov.…

Neighbors

basketball stock

Southwest Regional Publishing basketball roundup, Dec. 4-5

Dec. 5 Boys TF North 67, Argo 52: Kassam Saleh scored 15 for the Argonauts (2-3, 0-1 South Suburban Red). Girls Reavis 49, Tinley Park 25: Emily Grochola scored 13 points to lead the Rams (4-2, 1-0 South Suburban Red) past the Titans. Shepard 52, TF South 49: Jessica Manley’s 21 points helped the Astros…

With his mom Nicole at his side, Richards running back Myles Mitchell made his college commitment to North Dakota State official on Dec. 4. Photo by Mike Clark

Richards’ Myles Mitchell signs with North Dakota State

Myles Mitchell is one of the state’s premier running backs, with a bright future with one of the nation’s best FCS programs. But the path hasn’t always been easy for the Richards senior, who made his college commitment to North Dakota State official during a signing ceremony on Dec. 4. “Eighth grade was kind of…

Brad Johnson Jr. scored a game-high 19 points to help Curie rally past Lane 48-46 on Dec. 5. Photo by Mike Clark

Brad Johnson Jr. finds range, leads Curie past Lane

Facing what was literally a tall task against Lane on Dec. 5, Curie was in serious need of a spark. Brad Johnson Jr. provided it. Led by 6-foot-10 Penn recruit Dalton Scantlebury, Lane is one of the area’s biggest teams. Curie was undersized by comparison in the Public League Red Shield opener and trailed by…

An inflatable Santa waved to the crowd from the back of a flatbed truck. (Photos by Nuha Abdessalam)

Orland Park Christmas parade lights up the season

“Even in the cold, this parade warms your heart,” said Cathy Garner, an Orland Park resident who joined her twin daughters in Sunday’s Christmas Parade. With temperatures hovering at 25 degrees but feeling like 15 due to the wind chill, residents bundled up in blankets, winter coats, and hats for the beloved tradition. The parade…

23rd Ward Ald. Silvana Tabares

Chicago poll a ‘North Star’ amid 2025 budget disputes, local aldermen say

Change Research conducted an online survey of 801 general election voters from Nov. 18-21, focusing on Chicago’s budget negotiations. The city-wide poll was conducted to discover residents’ opinions about various topics such as politician and group favorability, property taxes, city spending, Chicago’s sanctuary city status and more. The majority of poll respondents identified as Democrats;…

basketball stock

Southwest Regional Publishing basketball roundup, Dec. 2-3

Dec. 3 Boys Andrew 72, Argo 50: Darron Greer Jr. led the Argonauts (2-2) with 14 points. Evergreen Park 70, U-High 58: Keshaun Vaval had 25 points to lead the Mustangs (3-1). Lonnie Mosley added 17 points and Camryn Dandridge grabbed 14 rebounds. Lemont 65, Stagg 35: Omar Barakat scored 17 for the Chargers (0-4).…

football-stock

Football signing day: Local recruits

Here is a list of football players in the Southwest Regional Publishing coverage area committed to Division I schools. Please email additions or corrections to mikeclarkpreps@gmail.com. Brother Rice Tyler Lofton, RB, Illinois State Jimmie Maxson, WR, North Dakota Charlie Stec, Edge, Western Illinois Lyons Tyler Chambers, OL, Northern Illinois Travis Stamm, WR, Illinois State Marist…

CRR_NH

Clear-Ridge Reporter and NewsHound December 4, 2024

Junior Michael Oliver Jr. will be counted on for scoring and leadership for Curie this season. Photo by Mike Clark

Michael Oliver Jr. offers veteran presence for new-look Curie

There are a lot of new faces at Curie this winter. Gone are the five senior starters from a 31-3 team that won the Public League title and lost by two points to eventual Class 4A champion Homewood-Flossmoor in the Elite Eight. But veteran coach Mike Oliver is back and so is his son, junior…

Argo's Kassam Saleh tries to split defenders on his way to the basket for a layup against Plainfield South on Nov. 27. Photo by Xavier Sanchez

Boys basketball notebook: Kassam Saleh, Argo aiming high this season

Kassam Saleh is ready to set the tone for Argo. “As time goes on you gain the most experience on the team and become that leader for everyone else,” said Saleh, a senior guard. “They follow you.” The Argonauts finished runner-up in the John McBride Classic at Stagg, falling 50-44 to Plainfield South on Nov.…