Richard Gordus, 70, deacon at Mater Christi in North Riverside

Richard Gordus, 70, a longtime North Riverside resident who was an ordained deacon in the Catholic church, died Jan. 22, 2005 at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood.

Mr. Gordus was very active in the community, serving as a deacon at Mater Christi Church in North Riverside and as a chaplain at St. Elizabeth and Loyola hospitals. At Mater Christi, he was also a member of the Holy Name Society, was director of the RICA program and was the coordinator for the Ministry of Care.

In addition, he served in the U.S. Army, was a member of CSA Fraternal Life and was a baseball and basketball coach for local teams. Mr. Gordus worked as a supervisor for AT&T prior to his retirement.

He is survived by his wife, Bernadine (nee Przybylo); his son, Richard Jr. (Kim); his daughter, Michele (Tim) Novak; his grandchildren, Nicolas and Kaitlin Novak and Nicole, Jennifer and Jacob Gordus; and his sister, Carole (Zig) Ulas.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated this morning, Jan. 26 at 10 a.m. at Mater Christi Church, 2401 10th Ave. in North Riverside, followed by interment in Resurrection Mausoleum in Justice.

Memorial contributions are appreciated to the Mater Christi Endowment Fund, 2401 S. 10th Ave., North Riverside, Ill. 60546.

Arrangements were handled by Kuratko Funeral Directors, North Riverside.

Dr. Jerome G. Topol, 86, WWII combat medic

Dr. Jerome G. Topol, a Bensenville resident who formerly lived in Brookfield and LaGrange Park, died Jan. 14, 2005 at the Tabor Hills Healthcare Facility in Naperville. He was 86 years old.

Born in Chicago on July 28, 1918 to Jerome J. and Matilda Topol, he served in the U.S. Army during World War II as a combat medic in the South Pacific. A licensed podiatrist, Dr. Topol left the practice of medicine, and later became a purchasing agent for the ElectroMotive Company.

Dr. Topol was preceded in death by wife, Dorothy; his parents; his brother, Harold Topol; and his sister, Adele Noteware. He is survived by his son, Jeffrey (Leann) Topol; his daughters, Terry (Michael) Deakins and Loretta Topol; and his granddaughter, Samantha Deakins.

A funeral service, officiated by the Rev. Ridell Kelsey, was held Jan. 18 at Hitzeman Funeral Home, Brookfield. Interment was private.

Memorial contributions were appreciated to the donor’s favorite charity.