Joseph “Papa Joe” Zich, 90, a longtime Riverside resident, died in Naples, Florida, on March 13, 2017.
Born on May 31, 1926, Mr. Zich graduated from Morton High School in Cicero in 1944 and was drafted into the U.S. Army. He served during World War II with the 290th Combat Engineer Battalion in France, Germany and Austria. The 290th was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for its actions.
After the war, he attended Northwestern University where he earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration, went to work for Standard Oil of Indiana (later to become Amoco Oil) for 38 years, and ended his career there as the manager of highway transportation.
After his retirement, Mr. Zich served as a volunteer for 10 years at the Field Museum in the Invertebrates Section and, for many years, as a board member for PeopleCare. He collected shells, stamps, and coins and enjoyed oil painting and photography.
Mr. Zich is survived by his daughters, Sherry (Martin) Bishop and Julie (Bradley) Duckett; his grandchildren, Veronica (Yann) Bishop Renimel, Andrew (Maddie) Bishop, Joseph N. and Adam Duckett; and his great-grandchildren, Ivy Lou, Charlie Bishop and Alex Renimel. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Lou (nee Caron).
A funeral Mass was celebrated March 20 at St. Mary Church in Riverside, followed by interment at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Hillside.
Ivins/Moravecek Funeral Home, Riverside, handled arrangements.
