Obituary of Al Sedey

Al Sedey Age 64, of Plainfield, passed away at home surrounded by those he loved after a long battle with cancer (multiple myeloma) on Saturday, September 5, 2015. Born July 17, 1951 in Chicago. Al attended Proviso West High School & Triton College. He worked proudly as a diesel mechanic for many years on every heavy duty truck made (including Kenworth, Peterbuilt, Mack, Freightliner and his favorite, International). He managed Ford City Milex, Rite Way Tire and Merlin Muffler. Al discovered his passion for teaching when working as a technical instructor and Assistant Manager of Training with Yanmar Diesel of America (Japan). It enabled him to travel the world training and trouble shooting marine engines. One of his favorite trips was through the Panama Canal at the invitation of the new owner of a yacht he had just fixed after being flown in by Yanmar. He taught at Triton College, Lincoln Tech and Universal Technical Institute until his retirement. He also volunteered his time as an ESL instructor at a local library and tutoring students. Al was always willing to share his knowledge of cars, trucks and engines with anyone that needed help or was interested in learning. Among his many passions were wrenching, restoring cars, racing, modeling & fixing anything that needed it. He also was a talented artist, photographer, modeler & doll house builder. He enjoyed scuba diving and was a Dive Master. He attained his brown belt in Tai Kwon Do and loved cycling. He was known for his infectious laugh and his favorite saying "Keep that sense of humor...it's critical" which he did his entire life. But his biggest passion was his family. He often said the best thing that ever happened to him was having kids. He was blessed with a loving son, Chris and daughter, Juli followed by their two spouses and four beautiful grandaughters. He loved children and found their laughter a blessing. He met his best friend and love Adrian. Together they fought his cancer while always trying to make the most of each and every day they were blessed to share. He believed in helping others and was always generous with his time and talents. He especially enjoyed mentoring students and teaching them to pay it forward. He truly loved his country and was grateful to be able to be of service to others. Al was one of the hardest working men ever, and so it was appropriate that he passed on Labor Day Weekend. Surely God has jobs in Heaven for him to do and he watches over us now. Most importantly he was at peace when he passed and wished the same for everyone. A special thanks to Dr. Ellen Gustafson, his nurses Dina, Denice, Randy, Beth and Joliet Area Community Hospice. You made his journey a better one and always left him with a smile. Al is survived by his two children, Christopher (Andrea) Sedey and Juliann (Rob) Sedey-Palmer; four grandchildren, Katherine and Caroline Barton-Sedey, and Emma and Alexandra "Ali" Palmer; his best friend & life partner, Adrian Stoddard; his dog Bob; his beloved aunt Anne Blendowski; his brother, Glenn (Linda) Sedey; his sister, Linda (Henry) Bokuniewicz; many cousins, nieces, nephews and truly great friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Irene & Frank Sedey; and his beloved grandparents, Helen & Frank Sedey. A Celebration of Al's Life will be held Sunday, September 27, 2015 from 3:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet. In his honor, everyone is invited to wear Hawaiian shirts or other attire suitable to celebrate a life well lived. Cremation rites have been accorded and interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, his wish was to have donations sent to St. Jude's Children's Hospital for cancer research. For information: (815) 741-5500.