
Obituaries March 23, 2023
VICTOR MANUEL AHUMADA RAMOS
Victor Manuel Ahumada Ramos, 62, of Chicago’s Little Village community, passed away peacefully with his loving wife and children at his side March 2.
Beloved husband of Maria Gonzalez Ahumada; much loved father of Melody Ahumada, Wendolyn Ahumada, Victor Ahumada and Landon Ahumada; proud grandfather of Meredith Cano Ahumada; dear brother of Benito Ahumada, Elodia Ahumada, Guillermina Ahumada and many other brothers and sisters in Mexico. He will be remembered dearly by his many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Visitation was held March 10 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave. in Summit. Funeral services were held March 11 at the funeral home until time of Prayers. Procession from the funeral home to St. Agnes of Bohemia Church for a Mass of Christian Burial. Victor was laid to rest at Resurrection Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to Victor’s family on his personal tribute website at www.foranfunealhome.com.
JASON A. CALDERON
Jason A. Calderon, of Phoenix, Arizona, formerly of Summit, passed away unexpectedly March 2, one day after his 43rd birthday.
Loving father of Rolando, Christian, Crystal, Emiliano and Yadiar; beloved son of Onesimo and Maria Calderon; much loved brother of Michael (fiancée Leslie), Alma, Adrian, Albert and Adan Calderon. Jason will be missed by his many nieces and nephews.
Visitation was held March 14 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave. in Summit. Visitation at the funeral home March 15 until time of prayers. Procession from the funeral home to St. Blasé Church for a Mass of Christian Burial. Jason was laid to rest at Resurrection Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to Jason’s family on his personal tribute website at www.foranfuneralhome.com.
NIDIA CARABALLO
Nidia Caraballo, 66, of Berwyn, passed away March 3.
Loving daughter of the late Quintin and late Nilda (nee Negron) Caraballo; dearest sister of Helen (Jesse) Aparicio, Miladys (Ismael) Ortiz, Javier Caraballo and the late Teresa Caraballo; dear aunt of Angel (Cynthia) Gutierrez, Lourdes Gutierrez, Jennifer Aparicio, Paul Aparicio, Marisa Caraballo, Javiar Caraballo Jr., Zion Ortiz, Sela Ortiz and Jocelyn Caraballo; great aunt of Isaiah, Mia, Luna, Noah, Sophia and Ethan. Nidia will be missed by her many aunts and uncles and cousins.
Memorial Visitation in Celebration of Nidia’s life was held March 15 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave. in Summit. Visitation at the funeral home March 16 until time of A Celebration of Life Service. Procession from the funeral home to St. Mary Cemetery where Nidia was laid to rest. Condolences may be sent to Nidia’s family on her personal tribute website at www.foranfuneralhome.com.
JOSEFINA GOMEZ CARMONA
Josefina Gomez Carmona, 77, of Berwyn, passed away March 1.
Beloved daughter of the late Aniceto and late Maria De Jesus Martinez Gomez; loving mother of Elizabeth (Omar) Villarreal, Susana (Armando) Carmona-Banda and Patricia (Mariano) Trejo; much loved grandmother of Christina (Joshua) Hall, Victoria Villarreal, Andrew Marquez, Olivia Villarreal, Amanda Villarreal, Sarah Trejo, Sofia Villarreal, Samantha Trejo and Amanda Banda; great grandmother of Erik Hovlid and Oliver Hall; dear sister of Aurora Gomez, Jose Gomez, Raul Gomez, Ramon Gomez and the late Antonio Gomez. Fond aunt and great aunt of many nieces and nephews.
Visitation was held March 9 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave. in Summit. Visitation at the funeral home March 10 until time of prayers. Procession from the funeral home to St. Leonard Church, 3318 Clarence, Berwyn, for a Mass of Resurrection. Entombment will be at Resurrection Cemetery, Garden Mausoleum. Condolences may be sent to Josefina’s family on her personal tribute website at www.foranfuneralhome.com
DENNIS F. EPPERSON
Dennis F. Epperson, 34, passed away February 23.
Arrangements were held at Szykowny Funeral Home, 4901 S. Archer Ave., Chicago. Final resting place Resurrection Cemetery. To leave any tributes, please visit the funeral home website at www.SzykownyFuneralHomeIL.com.
RICHARD KACZMAREK
Richard Kaczmarek, 74, passed away January 14.
Beloved husband of Nanci Kaczmarek; loving dad of Rion, Louie, Angel and Caitlin; cherished son of the late Lil (nee Mariani) and the late John Kaczmarek; fond brother of Tom (Louise) and Don (Carol). Also survived by nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.
Richard was a retired U.S. Customs Special Agent, Willow Springs police officer, federal air marshal and federal range instructor.
Visitation was held February 4 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Cremation rites have been accorded. For more information, call 708-496-0200 or visit www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.
JANINA “JANE” MASLONA
Janina “Jane” Maslona, 82, of North Aurora, passed away March 4.
Beloved wife of the late Stanisław “Stanley”; dear mother of Christina Maslona, George (Sharon) Maslona, Mary (Randall) Drozd, Helen Maslona, Barbara (Mark) Brissette, John (Elizabeth) Maslona; mother-in-law of the late Halina (Krzyminski) Maslona; loving grandmother of Eric Drozd, Stephanie Drozd, Adam (Jaclyn) Drozd, Leah (fiancé Jesse Fisher) Maslona, Samantha Maslona (fiancé Parker Bristol) and Zachary Maslona; great grandmother of Amber Drozd.
Visitation was held March 8 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave. in Summit. Visitation March 9 until time of prayers. Procession from the funeral home to St. Albert the Great Church for Mass. Jane was buried next to her husband at Resurrection Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to Jane’s family on her personal tribute website at www.foranfuneralhome.com.
PAULA MORALES
Paula Morales, 100, passed away February 26.
Will be forever missed by her beloved family and friends.
Arrangements were made by Szykowny Funeral Home 4901 S. Archer Ave., Chicago. Funeral Mass was held at St Paul Catholic Church, Chicago. Final resting place Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Hillside. To leave any tributes, please visit the funeral home website at www.SzykownyFuneralHomeIL.com.
RICHARD L. PANFIL JR.
Richard L. Panfil Jr., 74, of Crestwood, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly February 28.
He was a proud Army veteran of the Vietnam War.
Beloved husband of Jeannette (nee Weinert); loving father of Tamara (Eric) Miller and Richard Panfil; proud grandfather of Grant, Madeline and Ricky Jr.; dear brother of James Panfil and the late Carl Panfil and the late Linda Panfil. Fond brother-in-law and uncle to many.
Visitation was held March 6 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave. in Summit. Visitation at the funeral home March 7 until time of prayers. Procession from the funeral home to St. Christina Catholic Church, 3342 W. 111th Street, Chicago, for a Mass of Christian Burial. Rick was laid to rest at Resurrection Cemetery.
WALTER “WALLY” PELIACHEVSKY JR.
Walter “Wally” Peliachevsky Jr., 69, of Shorewood, passed away March 6, with his loving and devoted wife, Luz, at his side.
Cherished son of the late Walter and late Irene Peliachevsky; fond brother of Linda (Scott) McDonald, Susan (Joseph) Peters and the late Michael Peliachevsky; beloved brother-in-law of Benjamin (Millie) Caban, Carmen (Cornelio) Soto, Noelia (Alex) Lopez, Ralph (Bianca)Caban, Marivel (Darrell) Long and the late Taquia Hidalgo, the late Genie Johnson, and the late Julio Caban. Dear uncle of many nieces and nephews.
Visitation was held March 11 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave. in Summit. A Service in Celebration of Walter’s life was held at the funeral home March 4. Per his request, Walter will be cremated. Family and friends met at Resurrection Cemetery March 13 where Wally was laid to rest. Condolences may be sent to Wally’s family on his personal tribute website at www.foranfuneralhome.com.
CRISTIAN LUIS PUENTES
Cristian Luis Puentes, 19, passed away January 31.
Cherished son of Luis Puentes; dear brother of Diamond Puentes; fond nephew of Bricia Puentes (Kevin Gallick) and Jackie Puetes (David Quintina); dear cousin of David Jr., Aiden, Frida and Alberto. Also survived by relatives and friends.
Visitation was held February 5 at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice. Funeral was held February 6, Prayers and procession from the funeral home to Saint Gall Church, 5500 S. Kedzie Avenue, Chicago, for Mass. Interment, Resurrection Cemetery, Justice. For more information, call 708-496-0200 or visit www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.
JUDITH A. SAWYER
Judith A. Sawyer (nee Dirscoll), 79, of Palos Hills, passed away peacefully at home with her loving family by her side on March 17.
She was the beloved wife of Gerald Sawyer; loving mother of Michael and the late Timothy and Amy Sawyer; cherished grandmother of Dane (Nicole) DellaPenna, Megan Sawyer, Drake DellaPenna, Mitchell Sawyer, and Dalan DellaPenna; dear aunt of Tamara Thomas, Laura Peterson, and Kelly (James) Morg; Kind great-aunt of Molly and Max Peterson and Damon and Ava Morg; dear friend to many.
Family and friends will gather for a visitation on Friday, March 24, from 3-8 p.m. Funeral at 9 a.m. from Palos-Gaidas Funeral Home, 11028 Southwest Hwy., Palos Hills, to Sacred Heart Church for Mass at 10 a.m. Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.
For information or to express your condolences, visit www.palosgaidasfh.com or call 708-974-4410.
WALTER “WALLY” STASZKO
Walter “Wally” M. Staszko, 70, of Chicago’s Garfield Ridge community, passed away unexpectedly March 5.
Beloved husband for 48 years to Rosemary (nee Mikrut); loving father of Greg (Sara White) Staszko and Amy (Christopher “Pip”) Mekeel; proud grandfather of Audrey and Miles Staszko and Baby girl Mekeel; brother of the late Irene (John) Ridenour and the late Edward (Karla) Staszko; dear uncle of Mike Ridenour, Chris Ridenour, Eddie Staszko, Jason Staszko and Kelli (Jared) Griep. Great Uncle of many nieces and nephews. Wally is so missed by loyal and faithful dog, Daisy.
Visitation was held March 12 at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave. in Summit. Visitation March 13 at the funeral home until time of the Service in Celebration of Wally’s life. Procession from the funeral home to Resurrection Cemetery where Wally was laid to rest. Condolences may be sent to Wally’s family on his personal tribute website at www.foranfuneralhome.com.
SYLVIA J. STOKLOSA
Sylvia J. Stoklosa (nee Powers), 90, passed away February 2.
Beloved wife of the late Clarence Stoklosa; loving mother of James (Carol) Stoklosa, Karen (Mark) Campbell, Jerome (Carolyn) Stoklosa and Julie (Jesse) Bedolla; dear grandmother of Brittany (Taylor) Matson, Brandon Campbell, Tyler Stoklosa, Zachary Stoklosa, Haley Stoklosa, Marissa Bedolla, Emma Bedolla and Gavin Bedolla; dearest great-grandmother of Colton Matson and Connor Matson. Also survived by numerous relatives and friends.
Funeral was held February 11, family and friends gathered at Saint Patricia Church, 9040 S. 86th Avenue, Hickory Hills, for Mass. Cremation rites accorded. Future interment to be held at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood. For more information, call 708-496-0200 or visit www.kaminskifamilyfuneralhomes.com.
Memorial contributions to the Alzheimers Association are much appreciated.
CHARLEEN M. TUZIK
Charleen M. Tuzik, 85, of Oak Lawn, passed away on March 13.
She was the dedicated wife of 57 years to the late Adrian Tuzik (Tuzik’s Kedzie Bakery), cherished mother to Susan (Mario) Pope, Sheri (Brian) Roeske, Wendy (Michael) Micek, Sandra (Matthew) Nowak and Timothy Tuzik. Beloved Nana to Kayla (Tom) Isaacs, Tyler Roeske, Austin Roeske, Alexis Nowak, Nicholas Nowak, Joshua Nowak, Victoria Nowak, Isabelle Nowak, Zacharry Micek, Luke Micek, Lauren Tuzik and Aidan Tuzik. Cherished great Nana to Charlotte Isaacs. Preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Alice Kimelman and her sister Bonnie Przybylowski.
She leaves behind a legacy of love for her family and friends to cherish. She will be dearly missed.
Funeral services were held March 18 at the Becvar & Son Funeral Home, 5539 W. 127th Street, Crestwood. Interment Fairmount-Willow Hills Memorial Park, 9100 S. Archer Avenue, Willow Springs.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choosing.
JAMES L. YOLICH
James L. Yolich, 71, passed away March 15.
Beloved son of the late Joan Dulkowski (nee Renaud) and the late Leo E. Yolich; loving brother of Leo (Donna) Yolich, Wally (Nancy) Dulkowski, Patsy (Sam) Vainisi, the late Joe, the late Frannie, the late Mary, the late John and the late Billy. Fond uncle of many nieces and nephews. Devoted companion to Rosemary Glazar.
Visitation was held March 20, with a Prayer Service (time pending) at the Richard-Midway Funeral Home, 5749 Archer Ave., Chicago. Private interment St. Mary Cemetery. For more information, please call 773-767-1840.
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Neighbors

LTHS beating victim remains hospitalized as details emerge
Spread the loveBy Steve Metsch The Lyons Township High School student who suffered “major head trauma” in a fight outside the north campus three weeks ago remains hospitalized, a source said last week. The youth – whose name, age, town and year in school have not been released – was attacked by at least three…

Klimek promoted to police chief in Countryside
Spread the loveBy Steve Metsch That didn’t take long. Just two weeks after he was named acting police chief, Paul Klimek was officially named police chief by a unanimous vote of the Countryside City Council on May 24. Klimek, 42, had been with the department since 2004 and replaces Joe Ford, who retired earlier this…

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Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Usually, when mayors get up and give their yearly status reports of their communities, there is a lot of happy-happy-joy-joy talk. Even some of the negatives get glossed over with optimism for change. But when Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau held the 2023 version of the State of the Village…

Adopt-A-Pot program brightens up Palos Heights
Spread the loveBy Kelly White The Palos Heights Beautification Committee works hard to do just what its name entails, keep the city beautiful. To provide a spark of greenery and a pop of color outside of local businesses, parks and municipal buildings, the committee hosted an Adopt-A-Pot flower planting day on May 20 in the…

Despite concerns from Orland Hills mayor, Orland Park on board with new Fernway School
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Village of Orland Park officials are giving thumbs-up to a plan to build a new school on the property of existing Fernway Park Elementary School. Fernway is located at 16600 S. 88th Avenue and is a part of the Kirby School District 140 group of schools, but is the only…

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Spread the loveBy Dermot Connolly RidgeFest has been canceled this year—and may never be the same again—mainly due to violent disturbances at recent large gatherings in Tinley Park and elsewhere. At the last regular Chicago Ridge Village Board meeting on May 16, trustees were moving full-speed ahead with preparations for RidgeFest 2023, approving contracts for…

Fallen veterans remembered at Lyons ceremony
Spread the loveBy Steve Metsch An event that happened 78 years ago is often on the mind of Richard Vachata, but especially on Memorial Day. In 1945, his cousin, Joe Horky, made the ultimate sacrifice. Horky, 21, died after a Japanese kamikaze pilot crashed his plane into his battleship in the Pacific, Vachata said. Horky,…

Area Sports Roundup | State volleyball and lacrosse tournaments will have local flavor
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Staff writer When it comes to the postseason, there are rarely guarantees. There are, however, two guarantees this season when it comes to having teams in the IHSA state finals this weekend. Boys volleyball and girls lacrosse will each have an area representative at their respective state tournaments. In volleyball,…