Obituaries October 6, 2022
FLORENCE A. BANIK
Florence A. Banik, 90, passed away peacefully September 21 with her loving family at her side.
She was the beloved wife of Walter; cherished mother of Suzanne (John) Kremer, Paula (Bob) Behling and Maureen (Al) Garbauski; much loved grandmother of Lindsey (Josh) Goad and Shannon Behling and proud GG of Isla; dear sister of Virginia (late Ed) Holy, Theresa (late Andy) Turcza. Florence was preceded in death by her other siblings and their spouses, Tillie (Ed) Kwiatkowski, Toni (Ed) Leja, Julie (Mickey) Wais, Emil Halerz, Walter (Violet) Halerz, Stanley (Alicia) Halerz and Adam (Dorothy) Halerz. She will be remembered fondly by her many nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to thank Terri Paolelli and Nina Hatter, for the compassion, love and respect they gave in caring for Florence.
Visitation was held September 26 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave. in Summit. Procession from the funeral home to Two Holy Martyrs Parish, St. Symphorosa Church for a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment Resurrection Cemetery.
RITA BARCELONA
Rita J. Barcelona, 88, late of Orland Park, passed away on September 27.
She was the wife of the late Joseph A.; mother of Dean (Jo Ellen) and Renee; grandmother of Lani; sister of the late Vivian Beth.
Rita was employed with over 30 years of dedicated service with the 1st National Bank of Chicago and the Robert F. White Co. She enjoyed oil painting, as well as making ceramics and mosaics. Rita was also a member of the Bridge Club of Orland Park and the Town and Country Art League
Visitation was held on October 4 at Thornridge Funeral Home. A Funeral Service was held on October 4 at Thornridge Funeral Home. Interment Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery.
MARTIN J. BAUER
Marty Bauer, 75, of Chicago’s Garfield Ridge community, passed away September 25, at home with his family at his side.
He was the beloved husband of Pam (nee Kurtovich); loving father of Mary Bauer; dear brother of Jack (Beth) Bauer, Peggy (late Marty) Owens, Michael (Diane) Bauer, Pam (Bob) Bavisrsh and Patrick (Mary) Bauer; fond brother-in-law late Steve (Mary Ann), John (Maureen) Joey (Charmaine) Kurtovich, Janice (Barry) Miller and Scott (Pam) Kurtovich. Uncle of many nieces and nephews.
Visitation was October 3 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave. in Summit. Procession from the funeral home to St. Daniel the Prophet Church for Mass. Interment St. Mary Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to Martin’s family on his personal tribute website at www.foranfuenralhome.com.
MAXIMA BEDOY
Maxima Bedoy, 84, of Chicago’s Garfield Ridge community, passed away September 22 surrounded with her loving family.
She was the beloved wife of the late Felipe Bedoy; loving mother of Gustavo and Jaime Bedoy; cherished grandmother of Brianna, Angelina, Nicholas, Isabella, and Emiliana Bedoy; adored mother-in-law of Ramona and Esperanza Bedoy; dear sister of Josefina, Antonio, Tomas, Lorenzo, and Francisca. She will be remembered dearly by her nieces, nephews, and friends.
Visitation was September 28 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave. in Summit. Procession from the funeral home to St. Daniel the Prophet Church for a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment St. Mary Cemetery where Maxima was laid to rest next to her beloved husband. Condolences may be sent to Maxima’s family on her personal tribute website at www.foranfuneralhome.com.
STELLA M. BRUNO
Stella M. Bruno passed away September 21, two days after her 92nd birthday.
She was the beloved wife of the late Carmelo Bruno; loving mother of Joanne (Patrick) King, William (Patricia) Bruno and Jospeh Bruno; cherished grandmother of William (Jessica) Bruno, Robert Bruno, Angela (Kacy) Earwood, Catherine (James) Neske, Cheryl (Jason) Darfler and Patricia (Dino) Kokkines; much loved great grandmother of Peyton, Kaci, Aria, Sage, Sloane, Tabitha, Arabella and Avyn; dear sister of Steve Amella and the late Joanne Roccaforte. Fond aunt of many nieces and nephews.
For 57 years, Mrs. Bruno, as she was lovingly called, taught piano to hundreds of children in Chicago’s Garfield Ridge community. She also was the Music Director and organist for St. Daniel the Prophet Church and School for 48 years.
Visitation was September 25 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave. in Summit. Procession from the funeral home to St. Daniel the Prophet Church for a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment St. Mary Cemetery where Stella was laid to rest next to her beloved husband.
VINCENT A. BURDI
Vincent A. Burdi, 86, of Chicago’s Garfield Ridge community, passed away peacefully at home September 21.
He was the beloved husband for 62 years to Geraldine “Geri” Burdi; loving father of Robert (Carol) Burdi and the late Cheryl (Steve) Keilson; cherished grandfather of Kyle (Megan) Keilson, Kristohper Keilson and Kevin (Christine) Keilson; proud great grandfather of Clark.
Visitation was September 30 until time of Prayers at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 West Archer Ave. in Summit. Procession from the funeral home to St. Joseph Church for Mass. Entombment Resurrection Garden Mausoleum.
In lieu of flowers, donations in honor of Vince to Mercy Home for Boys and Girls, 1140 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago IL 60607 or www.mercyhome.org would be greatly appreciated.
EULALIO “LALO” CONTRERAS
Eulalio “Lalo” Contreras, of Chicago, passed away September 23.
Lalo was a Marine veteran and proud member of LAMA Chicago-South.
Lalo will be missed by many. He leaves behind his beloved Josie, daughter Kristyn, son-in-law Jose Lozada, grandsons-Alexander and Andrew, and countless family members and friends.
Visitation and Chapel Service were held at Szykowny Funeral Home, 4901 S Archer Ave. Chicago. Final resting place Abraham Lincoln Cemetery, Elwood. To leave any tributes, please visit funeral home website at www.SzykownyFuneralHomeIL.com.
LAWRENCE BERNARD DONAHUE III
Lawrence (Larry) Bernard Donahue III, 56, of Johns Island, SC, and formerly of Palos Heights, and Mt. Holly, NJ, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on September 23.
He was the Incredible husband of Jodi Donahue for 24 years; loving father of Lawrence B Donahue IV and Jenna Donahue; adored son of Lawrence B. Donahue, Jr. and Marie Donahue; caring brother to Bernie Donahue and Denise Blattenberger; gracious brother-in-law to Pat Donahue; beloved uncle to nephew Bern Donahue, Jr. and niece Stavanna Donahue, and nephews Joseph, Anthony, Vincent, and Dominic Blattenberger; cherished family member and friend to many others.
A graduate of Atlantic Community College Culinary school in 1986, Larry touched countless lives with his boundless optimism and iron will in many kitchens, including those of the Lettuce Entertain You, Weber Grill and Whirlyball restaurants. Prior to working in these kitchens, he served actors and actresses aplenty working with Coast to Coast Catering and then with his self-started Movie Chefs catering business. During this time, he catered iconic films such as “Fast and Furious” and “The Notebook.” Despite Larry’s deep passion for cooking, his love for his family trumped all else, with his favorite activities being watching movies with his family and spending quality time with them.
Beyond inspiring his mentees in the kitchen and family at home, Larry bravely chronicled his battle with stage four metastatic prostate cancer online on his facebook page Kill The Beast (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100050373227864). Through his journey, which he bravely fought for four years, Larry was an inspiration for many people and taught young men to be aware of the dangers of prostate cancer. Larry always had a smile on his face that could light up a room. He will be truly and dearly missed by all who knew him.
RUTH E. DROBITCH
Ruth E. Drobitch, nee Schroeder, of Palos Heights, passed away on Monday, September 26, at the age of 100 years.
She was the beloved wife of the late John A. Drobitch.
A Memorial Service will be held at Peace Memorial Church, 10300 W. 131st Street, Palos Park, on Wednesday, October 12, at 10 a.m. Interment of ashes will occur afterwards at 12:30 p.m. at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Peace Memorial Church would be appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to the Becvar & Son Funeral Home, 5539 W. 127th Street, Crestwood.
NORBERTA L. HAYES
Norberta L. Hayes (nee Mroczek), of Garfield Ridge.
Beloved wife of the late Robert T. Hayes; cherished mother of Debra (Steven) Spanski; loving grandmother of Robert (Jessica DeCola fiancée) Spanski, Lauren (Mark) Owen and Danielle (Noah Willis fiancé); caring and loyal sister of the late Eleanore, late Frances, late Frank, late Norma and late Filiona; godmother to Janet and Kathy; lifelong friend to Rose, Dorothy and Kathleen Nowak; dear aunt and great aunt of many nieces and nephews.
Visitation was September 30 at Zarzycki Manor Chapels Ltd., 8999 S. Archer Ave., Willow Springs. Funeral was held October 1 from the funeral home to the Church of St. James at Sag Bridge Mission for Mass. Interment Resurrection Cemetery.
ANNA KARAS
Anna Karas (nee Rosol), of Archer Heights.
Beloved wife of the late Julian Karas; loving mother of Elizabeth (late Casey) Golebiowski, Joseph (Kathy) Karas and the late Walter Karas; dearest grandmother of Mark Golebiowski, Brian (Erica) Golebiowski, Joseph Karas and the late Katie Karas; dear great grandmother of Joshua and Brayden; devoted daughter of the late Maria (nee Czyz) and late Jan Rosol; dear sister of Cecilia (Wladyslaw) Szewc, Stella (Joseph) Marchut, late Joseph (late Mary) Rosol and late Zofia (late Franciszek)Torla ; also nieces, nephews, cousins and family in Poland.
Visitation was Oct. 3 at Zarzycki Manor Chapels Ltd., 5088 S. Archer Avenue, Chicago. Funeral was October 4 from the funeral home to the Church of St. Faustina Kowalska for Mass. Interment Resurrection Cemetery.
JEAN L. KITCHEN
Jean L. (Hughes) Kitchen, of Worth, passed away peacefully in her sleep in Bossier City, Louisiana, on September 21, at the age of 93.
She married James Holdcroft after WWII and raised their four children, Robert, Debi, Don and Ruth, in Worth. After a most amicable divorce, she married George McGrath Sr. After he passed away, she was then married to Charles Kitchen until his death. Her beloved Jack Prochaska then filled her heart until his passing.
She was co-owner and bookkeeper of the Worth Cabinet Shop, a founding member of the Worth Pool, a volunteer usher at Moraine Valley Community College, and worked tirelessly in the food pantry at Worth Methodist Church.
She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Clyde Hughes and Ralph Hughes; sisters Evelyn Toothman, Lois Foster and Nina Graham Croft. James Holdcroft, George McGrath Sr., Charles Kitchen, Jack Prochaska, stepson George McGrath, Jr., and most of her friends also preceded her in death. She lost eldest son, Bob, far too soon. As if that wasn’t hard enough, she tragically lost her great-grandchild, Daniel Holdcroft, Jr., which absolutely broke her heart.
She is survived by her sister, Mary Ellen Barton of Olean, NY; her children, Debi Holdcroft Brewer of Bossier City, Louisiana, Donald Holdcroft of Alsip, Illinois, and RuthE Holdcroft (Lee) Washack of Bourbonnais, Illinois; her stepchildren Lou (McGrath) Binder, and Scott McGrath; her grandchildren James Holdcroft, Felicia Holdcroft, Sara Lape (Travis), Amy Richardson, Daniel Holdcroft, Sr., Steven Washack (Monica), Stacy Washack, Kevin Zikis, and Kate Tenpenny (Jon); and several great-grandchildren.
No services will be held at this time. She will soon fly with the angels from “Ashes Point” in Rock City Park. Feel free to make a donation on her behalf to your local church or food pantry, or simply wear an angel pin as she always did.
LAWRENCE L. LEFFLER
Lawrence L. Leffler, 94, of Willow Springs passed away.
He was a World War II Army Air Corps veteran.
Beloved husband of the late Esther (nee Eller); loving father of Darlene Edwards, Denise (Frank) Burja, the late Lawrence Jr. (Donna), Garry (late Brenda) and Ronald (Kathy) Leffler; dear grandfather of Anna Edwards, Nicole Leffler, the late Michael Burja, Rebecca Stanton, Lawrence Leffler III, Abigail Leffler and Amanda Fritz; great grandfather of 9; life partner of Maria Long; uncle of many nieces and nephews.
Visitation was September 28 at Zarzycki Manor Chapels,Ltd., 8999 S. Archer Ave., Willow Springs. Inurnment Oakwood Cemetery, Mt. Vernon.
TERRENCE L. MILLER
Terrence “Terry” L. Miller, 49, of Chicago’s Garfield Ridge community, passed away September 20.
He was a Marine veteran.
Beloved husband of Allison (nee Kamradt); dearest father of Jordan, Mackenzie and Trisden; loving son of Thomas Campbell and Leona Miller (nee Ziemba); dear brother of George Miller and Richard Miller; dear son-in-law of Carmella Kamradt and the late Dennis Kamradt. Terry will be missed by his many relatives and friends.
He was a member of Teamsters Union Local 700.
Visitation was September 27 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave. in Summit. Procession from the funeral home to St. Daniel the Prophet Church for a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment Resurrection Cemetery where Terry was laid to rest with Military Honors. Condolences may be sent to Terry’s family on his personal tribute website at www.foranfuneralhome.com.
NANCY A. POPIELEC
Nancy A. Popielec, nee Flannigan, 69, passed away on October 1.
She was the beloved wife of Waldemar Popielec. Loving mother of Andrew Popielec, Christine (Thomas) Kozmel and Michael Popielec. Cherished daughter of the late Anna (nee Ewen) and the late Robert Flannigan. Dear sister of Mary Kate Walsh and Patrick Flannigan. Also survived by nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Visitation was October 5 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral services will be Thursday, October 6, at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment, Resurrection Cemetery, Justice.
JOSEFA ROSARIO
Josefa Rosario, 95, passed away September 23.
Loving wife of Roberto Rosario. Will be forever missed by all her loving family and friends.
Visitation and Chapel Service were held at Szykowny Funeral Home, 4901 S Archer Ave., Chicago. Final resting place Resurrection Cemetery, Justice. To leave any tributes, please visit funeral home website at www.SzykownyFuneralHomeIL.com.
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