Obituary of John F. Lapikas

John F.  Lapikas

Age 77, a lifetime Joliet, IL resident, died suddenly at home, Saturday June 17, 2017.  He was born October 4, 1939 to the late Mary and James Lapikas.  He was a graduate of Joliet Catholic High with the Class of 1957. He received an Associate’s Degree from Joliet Junior College.  A U.S. Army Veteran, John was honorably discharged in 1964.

Beloved husband of 52 years to Judith E. (nee Ghilain); loving father of Jeff (Deena) Lapikas; proud grandfather of Robert, Troy, Dalton and Tyler.  Also survived by his brother, Mike Lapikas and many nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Marty and Joe Lapikas.

John retired from the US Postal Service after serving the Joliet community for 36 years. A member of the Loyal Order of Moose, Joliet Lodge #300 and the Church of St. Jude where he was a dedicated parishioner and always involved in church functions and day to day tasks. His favorite pastime was cooking. He helped organize and facilitate serving food over the years at the Daybreak Shelter. Another trait of John's was reciting Henny Youngman one-liners.  He enjoyed life; cooking with passion and making people feel included.   He will be sorely missed.

Funeral services for John Lapikas will be held at the Church of St. Jude, 2212 McDonough St. in Joliet where all friends and relatives can gather Wednesday June 21, 2017 from 8:30 a.m. until the Mass of Christian Burial is celebrated at 10:30 a.m.  Interment will follow in Woodlawn Memorial Park Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name can be made to St. Jude Catholic Church or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105  (www.stjude.org). For information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com