James V. Chiappetta, 86, Trucking dispatcher
James V. Chiappetta, 86, a resident of North Riverside for 50 years, died Jan. 15, 2009.
Mr. Chiappetta worked as a dispatcher for Norwalk Trucking in McCook for over 25 years and was a member of Teamster’s Union Locals 710 and 705. He was also active in politics in Cook County, Brookfield and North Riverside.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Theresa Chiappetta (nee Pellegrino), and his siblings, Joseph (the late Yolanda) Chiappetta, Mary (the late Henry) Tokarz and Yolanda (the late Joseph) Simone.
Mr. Chiappetta is survived by his children, Fred (Dolores) Chiappetta, Carol (Robert) Ruffolo, Anthony (Mary) Chiappetta and James (Maureen) Chiappetta Jr.; his grandchildren, Theresa (Alfonso) Sarro, Mary (Michael) Spano, Robert (Gina) Ruffolo, Anthony Ruffolo, Gina (Ben) Batenic, Anthony Chiappetta, James Chiappetta, Michael Chiappetta, Vincent Chiappetta, Nicole Chiappetta, Lauren Chiappetta, Natalie Chiappetta and Jamie Chiappetta; his great grandchildren, Dominic Sarro, Alyssa Sarro, Anthony Sarro, Marisa Spano, Michelina Spano, Felicia Ruffolo, Gianna Ruffolo and Mia Batenic; his siblings, Alex (the late Jennie) Chiappetta, Edward (Virginia) Chiappetta and Frank (Francine) Chiappetta; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
A funeral Mass was held Jan. 19 at Mater Christi Church in North Riverside, followed by entombment at Queen of Heaven Mausoleum, Hillside.
Arrangements were handled by Riverside Funeral Directors, Brian D. Kuratko, director.
Elaine A. Geisthardt, 77, Insurance underwriter
North Riverside resident Elaine A. Geisthardt, 77, died Jan. 14, 2009.
She was born on April 12, 1931 and worked as an underwriter at the Wausau Insurance Company prior to her retirement. She also enjoyed traveling.
Ms. Geisthardt is survived by her sister, Eileen (James) Votava; her nephew, Kevin (Beverly) Votava; her great niece, Lillian Votava; her great nephew, Andrew Votava; and her cousins, Fred and Robert Triebe. She was preceded in death by her nephew, Keith Votava.
A funeral service was held Jan. 17 at Kuratko-Nosek Funeral Home in North Riverside, followed by interment at Eden Memorial Park Cemetery in Schiller Park.
Memorial contributions were appreciated to The Scottish Home, 2748 Desplaines Ave., North Riverside, Ill. 60546.
Henry J. Mickiewicz, 90, Truck driver
Longtime North Riverside resident Henry J. Mickiewicz, 90, died Jan. 8, 2009.
Mr. Mickiewicz, a truck driver for the Slotkowski Sausage Company in Chicago for over 25 years, was a member of the Teamster’s Union.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Marie Mickiewicz, and his brother, Harry Mickiewicz. He is survived by his sister, Florence Dudek and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services and interment were private.
Arrangements were handled by Riverside Funeral Directors, Brian D. Kuratko, director.
Richard S. Piekarski, 74, Western Electric retiree
Richard S. Piekarski, 74, a resident of North Riverside, died Jan. 16, 2009 at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood.
Mr. Piekarski was veteran of the U.S. Army and worked as a supervisor at the Western Electric Company in Cicero prior to his retirement. He was active at Mater Christi Parish, where he was a member of the Holy Name Society and the St. Vincent DePaul Society. He was also a member of the Telephone Pioneers of America.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara Piekarski (nee Broucek); his children, David (Lynette) Piekarski, Debbie (Randy) Czajka and Dina (David) Witken; his grandchildren, Jason, Joshua, Jacob, Tyler, Chandler, Alexa, Danielle and Zachary; and his sister, Beverly (Edward) Paitl.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, Jan. 21, at 9:30 a.m. at Mater Christi Church, 2431 10th Ave., North Riverside, followed by interment at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Hillside.
Memorial donations are appreciated to Mater Christi Church.
Kuratko-Nosek Funeral Home, North Riverside, handled arrangements.
James J. Shanahan, 72, Retired firefighter
James J. Shanahan, 72, a former resident of Brookfield and LaGrange Park, died Dec. 19, 2008.
Mr. Shanahan served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War and was a member of the Chicago Fire Department for 34 years. He was a member of the Firefighters Union for 40 years and a member of Amvets.
He is survived by his wife, Marilyn Shanahan (nee Genovese); his children, Margaret (David) Herman of Countryside, Ann (John) Urbaniec of Westmont, James (Julie) Shanahan of Brookfield, Daniel Shanahan of California, Sean (Cindy) Shanahan of Brookfield, Maureen (James) Judge of Forest Park, Tim (Jen) Shanahan of Chicago and Patrick (Cristina) Shanahan of Lyons; his grandchildren, Heather Goolsby, Kyle, Ryan, Jordan, Dillon Hanley, Maureen Hanley, Brandon Herman, Alexis Herman, Angelina, Claire, Ryan Michael, Erica, Anthony, Estefania, Hiatt Judge, Johnny and Audrey; his siblings, Jill (Alan) Roerig, Kathy (David) Brummett, Maureen (Robert) Genetski and Daniel (Sandy); his brother-in-law, Thomas (Susan) Genovese; his sister-in-law, Patricia Hicks; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister, Sheila Carso, and his brother, Patrick Shanahan.
Ridge Funeral Home, Chicago, handled arrangements.