Obituary of Joseph Bonczek

Joseph E. Bonczek "Joe" Age 93, passed away peacefully Monday, May 27, 2013 at the Joliet Area Hospice Home with his devoted wife by his side. Joe was born on March 3, 1920 in Joliet, IL to Isadore and Julia (Burcenski) Bonczek. Joe was a 1938 graduate of Joliet Township High School. He proudly served in Hawaii and the Philippines as a Master Sergeant in the U.S. Army during WWII. Recipient of Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon with one bronze battle star and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one bronze battle star. During the war years, he married Lillian Paluzzi on April 28, 1943. They recently celebrated 70 years of marriage with a family party. When he returned to Joliet, Joe worked at U.S. Steel for 33 years as a tractor operator. He was a member of the Church of St. Anthony, the Joliet Moose Lodge #300, life member of VFW Cantigny Post #367, also a member of SOAR and the American Legion Post #1080. Joe was also a supporter of the Joliet Area Community Hospice and many private charities. In his free time, Joe enjoyed golf and fishing. He passed his love of fishing on to his many nephews. Survived by his loving wife, Lillian (nee Paluzzi); two sisters, Mary (late Martin) Pasteris, Elizabeth (Arthur) Galli; three sisters-in-law, Violet (late Steve) Biro, Angela (late Henry) Giermala, and Edith (late Chester) D'Atri; a favorite uncle to his many nieces and nephews; and his beloved neighbors and longtime family friends. Preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Walter and Raymond; two sisters, Agnes and Florence. Joe will be remembered as a gentle, gracious man who always had a smile on his face. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. Lillian would like to extend her heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Ramesh Patel and staff, Joliet Area Community Hospice staff, the intensive care unit of Presence Saint Joseph Medical Center and his many dear friends and family who visited during this difficult time. Your love will never be forgotten. Funeral Services for Joseph E. Bonczek will be held Friday, May 31, 2013 at 9:45 a.m. from the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet to the Church of St. Anthony for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. Enshrinement Woodlawn Memorial Park Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name to Joliet Area Community Hospice or to the charity of the donor's choice would be appreciated. Visitation Thursday 3-8 p.m. For more information: (815) 741-5500 or www.fredcdames.com