Obituaries January 19, 2022
RICHARD B. BARAJAZ
Richard B. Barajaz, age 75, of La Grange Park, passed away January 2. Army Veteran.
Beloved husband of Lorelei Barajaz (nee Renn), for more than 53 years; loving father of Rick (Dina) Barajaz and Andrea (Brian) Gorski; grandfather of John, Brian, Zoe, and Alexandra; son of Gabino and the late Theresa Barajaz; brother of Theresa, Ingrid, Karl, Wally, Larry, Tina, and Caroline; brother-in-law of Mike and Bob, and uncle of many nieces and nephews.
Services are Private. Arrangements entrusted to Hitzeman Funeral Home & Cremation Services 9445 W. 31st Street, Brookfield. Interment Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood. Information 708-485-2000 or www.HitzemanFuneral.com. If you wish to send a sympathy card to the family, please feel free to send it to Hitzeman Funeral Home, 9445 West 31st Street, Brookfield, IL 60513, c/o Richard Barajaz Family. We will gladly forward it on to the family.
PAUL CHARLES BERGREN
Paul Charles Bergren, age 68, passed away December 3, 2022.
Devoted husband of Gail (nee Cohs) Bergren; beloved son of the late Naomi A. (nee Dailey) and the late Paul L. Bergren; loving brother to the late Paulette (the late Jack) Oost, Charmaine (the late Daniel) Frias, Holly (Gerard) Przeniczny, Judith (the late Lawrence) Hastings, Stephen (Victoria) Bergren and Janet (Michael) Miskell; loving uncle to many nieces and nephews. Beloved by many relatives, and friends.
In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations be made in Paul’s name to the American Cancer Society. Visitation was held December 9, 2022, at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium. 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held December 10, 2022, Service and Time of Remembrance were held at the funeral home. Interment, Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Alsip, Illinois. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.
JACQUELINE S. “JACKIE” CATALANO
Jacqueline S. “Jackie” Catalano (nee Malachuk) passed away January 10.
Beloved wife of the late Rudolph “Rudy” Catalano; loving mother of the late Jeffrey G. Catalano; beloved daughter of the late George S. and the late Sophie T. (nee Lapinskas) Malachuk; dear sister of George (Diana), Madeline (Thomas) Tszesniowski, Roberta, Ronald (Debra) and Donald (late Barbara). Fond aunt of many nieces and nephews.
Visitation was held January 16. Funeral was held January 17 at the Richard-Midway Funeral Home, 5749 Archer Ave. (corner of Lorel) to St. Faustina Kowalska Church for a mass. Interment St. Casimir Cemetery. For more information please call 773-767-1840.
JOSE T. CONTRERAS SR.
Jose T. Contreras Sr., age 59, of Chicago, Garfield Ridge community, passed away peacefully December 31, 2022 with his loving family by his side.
He was the beloved husband of Gloria Garcia Contreras; loving father of Jose T. (Tina Marie Scannell) Contreras Jr., Yvette Valdez, Yvonne Valdez (Miguel), Veronica Valdez, Veneyza Valdez and Jesus (Virginia) Valdez; cherished grandfather and great grandfather of many; dear brother of Gabril, Graciela, Chayo (Rosario), Liborio, Elena and Guadalupe. Dear uncle and great uncle of many.
Visitation was held January 9 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave. (55th street just west of Harlem). Visitation was held January 10 until time of Prayers. Procession from the funeral home to Our Lady of Snows Church for a Mass of Christian Burial. Jose will be laid to rest at Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations would be greatly appreciated. Condolences may be sent to Jose’s family on his personal tribute website at www.foranfuneralhome.com.
NORMAN THOMAS COOK
Norman Thomas Cook, age 56, of Hickory Hills, formerly of Chicago, Brighton Park community, passed away January 1.
Devoted son of Mildred (nee Kwilosz) and the late Hugh Cook, Sr.; dear brother of Hugh Cook Jr.; dearly loved by his many cousins.
Visitation was held January 9 at Zarzycki Manor Chapels, Ltd., 8999 S. Archer Ave., Willow Springs. Funeral Service was held January 10 at the Chapel. Interment Mt. Glenwood West Cemetery. 708-839-8999 or www.ZarzyckiManorChapels.com.
STANISLAW DANIEL
Stanislaw Daniel, age 73, passed away December 4, 2022.
Beloved husband of Maria (nee Golonka) Daniel; loving father of Anna Venhuizen and Greg Daniel; cherished son of the late Wanda (nee Gnatek) and the late Franciszek Daniel; dear brother of Maria Daniel. Also survived by relatives and friends.
Visitation was held December 7 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held December 8, 2022, 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.
EDWARD DZIEDZIC
Edward Dziedzic, age 72, passed away December 15, 2022.
Beloved husband of Helena (nee Klaus) Dziedzic; loving father of Diane (Jeff) Wojtanowicz; dearest dziadzia of Andrew Wojtanowicz and Natalia Wojtanowicz; cherished son of the late Bronislawa (nee Paczek) and the late Franciszek Dziedzic; dear brother of Donna (Alex) Grodzki; treasured uncle of Teresa and Christina. Also survived by relatives and friends.
Visitation was held December 20, 2022, at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held December 21, 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.
BARBARA KATHLEEN GABRIELLO
Barbara Kathleen Gabriello, nee Hesik, 57, passed away suddenly at her Palos Heights residence.
She was the wife of Clark and mother of Kelly Vaughan-Dooley (Brendan). Loving grandmother to Jack Dooley. Dear sister of Deborah Robak (Hesik). Beloved aunt to Roxanne and Billy (Day). Great-aunt to Elijiah, Madelynn, Oliver, and Zander. Preceded in death by her parents, Doris (nee Carter) and William Hesik, sister Caryn, and niece Alixx.
Barbara was so very loved by all who knew her. Her generous spirit and caring soul will be missed by all.
Visitation will be Thursday, January 19, from 3-8 p.m. Funeral services will be Friday, January 20, at 9:30 a.m. from the Becvar & Son Funeral Home, 5539 W. 127th Street, Crestwood, to St. Alexander Catholic Church for a 10 a.m. Mass. Interment Resurrection Cemetery in Justice.
KAROL LICHOSYT
Karol Lichosyt, of Hickory Hills, formerly of Chicago, Garfield Ridge community, passed away January 7.
Beloved husband of Halina (nee Dubiela); loving father of Anna Lichosyt, Malgorzata (Pawel) Kaczmarzyk and Wieslaw (Honorata) Lichosyt; dearest grandfather of Julia, Amelia, Nellie and Magdalena; devoted son of the late Krystyna (nee Ratulowska ) and late Albin Lichosyt; fond brother of Sr. Maria Teodozja (Albertine Sisters), Albin (late Anna) Lichosyt, Joseph (Katherine) Lichosyt, late Genowefa (late Waclaw) Szydzikowski, late Rev. Jan Lichosyt, late Eugeniusz (Elzbieta) Lichosyt, late Ignacy Lichosyt and late Stanislaw Lichosyt; fond uncle of many nieces and nephews.
Visitation was held January 11 at Zarzycki Manor Chapels, 8899 S. Archer Ave., Willow Springs. Funeral was held January 12 from the funeral home to Our Lady, Mother of the Church for Mass. Interment Resurrection. 708-839-8999 or www.ZarzyckiManorChapels.com.
STEVEN L. MAITLAND
Steven L. Maitland, age 69, of North Riverside, passed away January 5.
Beloved husband of Susan Maitland (nee Plechaty); fond father of numerous fur babies; brother of Donnie (Sandy) Maitland, Michelle Peterson, Julie (Donnie) Hicks and Linda (the Late Phil) Jenkins; son-in-law of Edna (the late Robert) Plechaty; brother-in-law Steven Plechaty; uncle of many nieces and nephews.
Visitation was held January 13 to time of Service at Hitzeman Funeral Home & Cremation Services 9445 W. 31st Street, Brookfield. Funeral Service followed. Information 708-485-2000 or www.HitzemanFuneral.com. In lieu of flowers memorials appreciated to: Wounded Warrior Project 4899 Belfort Road Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256. Private Interment Woodlawn Cemetery, Forest Park. If you wish to send a sympathy card to the family, please feel free to send it to Hitzeman Funeral Home, 9445 West 31st Street, Brookfield, IL 60513, c/o Steven L. Maitland Family. We will gladly forward it on to the family.
RICHARD “LEFTY” MAKOWSKI
Richard “Lefty” Makowski, age 90, passed away December 15, 2022. US Army Korean War Veteran.
Beloved husband of Mary Lou (nee Wawrzyniak) Makowski; loving dad of Jean (Charles) Oliver, Dan Makowski and Jane (Michael) Hudgins; dearest papa of Rebecca (Justin) Samuel, Samantha Oliver, Daniel Makowski, Alyssa Makowski, Talia Makowski, Halina Makowski, Jesse Hudgins and Kaylee Hudgins; treasured great-papa of Shaynna, Paige and Jacey; cherished son of the late Wanda and the late Walter Makowski; dear brother of Stanley Makowski. Also survived by relatives and friends.
Visitation was held December 21 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held December 22, Service and Time of Remembrance held at the funeral home. Interment, Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood. For more information, 708-496-0200 or www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com
DOROTHY M. MOKSZYCKI
Dorothy M. Mokszycki, age 93, longtime resident of Chicago, Garfield Ridge community, passed away January 4.
Beloved wife of the late Adam Mokszycki; loving mother of Christine (late Richard) Bretzer and the late Michael Mokszycki; dear grandmother of Karen Gana, Michael Jr. (Carla) Mokszycki, Linnie (Dennis) Christopher, Judy Mokszycki, Katie (Alberto) Garcia, Denny Rak and the late Davey Rak; great grandmother of 19; fond sister of John (Connie) Manogian and the late Helen (late Ted) Drozd. Dorothy was a member of the Stickney Senior Club.
Visitation was held at St. Daniel the Prophet Church January 9 until time of Mass. Procession from Church to Resurrection Cemetery where Dorothy was laid to rest next to her husband. Condolences may be sent to Dorothy’s family on her personal tribute website at www.foranfuneralhome.com.
DESAREE MARIE NOCEDA
Desaree Marie Noceda (nee Salinas), age 41, of Chicago, Garfield Ridge community, passed away January 7.
Beloved wife of Robert A. Noceda; loving mother of Sadie Noceda, Armando Noceda, Maya Noceda and Sarai Noceda; dear sister of Melinda (Mariana), Marissa, Marcella, Sonia, Margarita, Teresa, Ciro, Freddy, Paul, Joseph, Jerry and Martin; dear daughter-in-law of Lori Noceda; dear sister in law of Sarah (Matt) Stanislawski, Tom (Myra) Noceda and Michelle Noceda. Aunt of an abundance of many nieces and nephews.
Visitation ws held January 11at the Wolniak Funeral Home, 5700 S. Pulaski Rd., Funeral Private Funeral Info: 773-767-4500 or www.wolniakfuneralhome.com.
BRUNO G. QUAGLIANI
Bruno G. Quagliani, 98, late of Orland Park, passed away on January 12.
He was the husband for 76 years of Ida nee Sartori; father of Robert Quagliani, Linda (David Corbin) Quagliani and Arthur (Pamela) Quagliani; grandfather of Andrew (Whitney) Corbin, William Corbin and James Corbin; great grandfather of Jack and Max Corbin; uncle and friend of many.
He was an Air Force veteran of World War II. He was the former Proprietor of Quagliani Insurance Agency for over 60 years.
A Funeral Mass was held on January 18 at St Francis of Assisi Church. Visitation was held on January 18 at Thornridge Funeral Home. Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.
JORGE A. SALINAS
Jorge A. Salinas, age 85, of Chicago, Garfield Ridge community, passed away peacefully December 28, 2022.
He was the beloved husband of Rose A. Salinas; loving father of George Salinas, Elizabeth Salinas, Edward (Anna) Salinas, Richard (Lisa) Salinas and the late Diane Salinas; proud grandfather of George III, Matthew, Andrew, Samuel and Jackson; son of the late Manuelo Pedro Salinas Macias and Soledad Maldonado Martell de Salinas; dear brother of Guillermo, Pedro, Alicia, Irene, Maria De Jesus, Huberto, Pedrito and Silvia. Jorge will be remembered dearly by his many nieces and nephews and friends.
Memorial visitation was held January 6, at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave. (55th street just west of Harlem). Family and friends met at St. Faustina Kowalska Parish, 5252 S. Austin, Chicago on January 7 a Mass in Celebration of Jorge’s life was celebrated by Father Edward Cronin. Jorge will be interred in his family niche at the Basilica de Guadalupe in Mexico City.
PASTOR JUAN RAMON VILLANUEVA
Pastor Juan Ramon Villanueva passed away peacefully January 8 with his loving family by his side.
He was the beloved husband of Victoria Ramon Villanueva; loving father of Norma, Carmen, Luis Roman Villanueva, Josie (Gilberto) Medina, Pedro (Eneida) Ramon Villanueva, Ruth (Pastor Manuel) Ruiz, Jorge, Joel (Maritza), Jacob (Yarith) Ramon Villanueva, Lisa Burgos and the late Antonio (Ruth) Ramon Villanueva. Dear grandfather and great grandfather of many. Per his request, Pastor Juan was cremated, and his services were private.
Local News
Hunt man who tried to rob Chase Bank
Spread the love. FBI looking for tips from public . From staff reports FBI officials are appealing to the public for help in finding a man who attempted to rob a Southwest Side bank branch. The bandit tried to rob the Chase Bank branch at 5687 S. Archer (just west of Laramie) at about 11…
Chicago Red Stars and Bay FC to play at Wrigley Field
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Correspondent Chicago Red Stars forward Ally Schlegel loves Wrigley Field. “I adored Wrigley the second I went to my first Cubs game,” Schlegel said. “I fell in love with it thinking it was the perfect sporting experience with how they built it up down there.” She will go from a…
Trinity Christian College names new hoops coaches
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Correspondent Trinity Christian officials were busy on April 11 ushering in new eras for its basketball programs. Trolls Athletic Director Wendy Reid announced that Jordan Mast is taking over the men’s basketball program, while Jasmine Porter has been named women’s hoops coach. Mast comes to the school in Palos Heights…
Reavis baseball coach and Hall of Famer Don Erickson to retire after season
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Correspondent A deal is a deal. Longtime Reavis baseball coach Don Erickson has said he would retire after his son, Sam, graduates from high school, so he can watch Sam play in college. Erickson doesn’t get to many of his son’s high school games because Sam plays at Downers Grove…
Worth Library offers seeds for free
Spread the loveBy Kelly White A seed library collects and stores seeds and shares them with members of the community for free. Similar to a normal library, gardeners borrow seeds from the seed library at planting time. At the end of the growing seasons, they save seeds from the plants and return a portion of…
Paisans Pizza eyes May opening in Oak Lawn
Spread the loveBy Joe Boyle Paisans Pizzeria is a step closer to opening in Oak Lawn with the approval of a liquor license for the establishment that will be part of the Stony Creek Promenade. Plans for the restaurant were originally approved at an Oak Lawn Village Board meeting in March of 2022. Tom Phelan,…
Palos Park residents, mosque reps discuss noise issues at council meeting
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva What could have been an explosive situation was actually quite civil. Some Palos Park residents were angry about loud activity and behavior of some members of the Palos Islamic Center the past two years and sounded off at the April 8 village council meeting. Fresh on their minds was noise…
Comings & Goings: Obbie’s Pizza to stay ‘unique and delicious’
Spread the loveBy Tim Hadac Archer Avenue’s long-time king of pizzerias will continue to rule. Same recipes at Obbie’s Pizza, 6654 W. Archer. Same pizza and ingredients. Same pasta, broasted chicken, shrimp, perch, Italian beef/sausage/meatball sandwiches, sides and pop. Same seasoned, Middleby Marshall pizza oven built in 1947—the type of pizza oven every restaurant owner…
Stickney Public Health confirms measles case in Bedford Park
Spread the loveFrom staff reports The Stickney Public Health District has confirmed that a person with measles related to the ongoing situation in the City of Chicago was at the Walmart Supercenter at 7050 S. Cicero Ave. in Bedford Park on Friday, March 22, roughly between the hours of 2 and 4 p.m. Anybody who…
La Grange cancels Endless Summerfest over higher costs
Spread the loveBy Steve Metsch It turns out the summer is not endless, at least not in La Grange. Endless Summerfest, a three-day event held the first weekend in August at Gordon Park for many years, will not be held this year. The cancelation was announced Tuesday in a joint new release from the La…
Neighbors
Orland Park Library collecting candy wrappers
Spread the loveBy Kelly White Candy has taken on a whole new life at one local library. The Orland Park Public Library, 14921 S. Ravinia Ave., Orland Park, is happy to announce the launch of its very first Trash or Treasure candy wrapper recycling campaign. The Trash or Treasure program helps reduce the waste that…
Hickory Hills adds new police officer
Spread the loveBy Nuha Abdessalam Hickory Hills Police Chief Jason Bray welcomed Andre Showers as the city’s newest police officer during last week’s city council meeting. Aldermen and the community at the April 11 meeting helped celebrate the induction of the Showers, 21. He’s an Army veteran and a 2023 Cook County Correctional Camp graduate…
Marist celebrates cultural diversity
Spread the loveBy Kelly White Marist High School appreciates the wide array of culture that walks its campus hallways on a daily basis. In order to celebrate, the high school, 4200 W. 115th St., Chicago, hosted its second annual Celebration of Culture on March 14. During the free event, students, faculty and staff represented their…
Palos Heights Knights of Columbus donate to GiGi’s Playhouse
Spread the loveGrand Knight John Laskey and Past Grand Knight Brian Mellenthin of St. Theodore Guerin Knights of Columbus Council 14057 presented a check for $1,500 to GiGi’s Playhouse of Tinley Park, one of several donations to local groups resulting from the Knights of Columbus’ Fall Tootsie Roll Drive. One of the most recognizable activities…
Worth police join task force to combat auto thefts
Spread the loveBy Joe Boyle An agreement has been reached between the villages of Worth and Thornton regarding participation in the Illinois Statewide Auto Theft Task Force. Worth Police Chief Tim Denton said the approval of the memorandum to participate in the task force is necessary. “It’s no secret that there has been an increase…
A simple idea for Earth Day
Spread the love. By Mary Stanek Your correspondent in Archer Heights and West Elsdon 3808 W. 57th Place • (773) 517-7796 . Moving right along through April, as the days get longer and nicer, time will start to go by faster. We have Earth Day on April 22 and the start of Passover at sunset.…
Bingo at St. Clare was something to yell about
Spread the love. Kathy Headley Your correspondent in Chicago Lawn and Marquette Manor 6610 S. Francisco • (773) 776-7778 . Recently I mentioned a bingo fundraiser the Augustinian Young Adults of St. Rita of Cascia Parish were holding. This was their first attempt at a bingo and they put on a really nice event. Held…
One thing is certain: life goes on
Spread the love. Peggy Zabicki Your correspondent in West Lawn 3633 W. 60th Place • (773) 504-9327 . I get a lot of calls from residents who are discouraged about our neighborhood. There are so many car accidents, shootings and violent crimes being committed in West Lawn and surrounding areas. It certainly is challenging to stay hopeful and positive. Here is a paragraph…
Biz groups battle over names, logos
Spread the love. UBAM, MCC trade barbs . By Dermot Connolly and Tim Hadac The leader of one Midway-area business association is accusing the other of bad faith, and the leader of the other is scratching her head over the dustup. United Business Association of Midway Executive Director Anita Cummings recently claimed that a rival…