Obituary of Patrick Gossman

Patrick J. Gossman "Chooch" Age 81. Peacefully Thursday, November 5, 2015 at his home with his family by his side following a long debilitating illness. Born in Chicago on St. Patrick's Day and a Joliet resident since 1942. A graduate of Joliet Catholic High School, Class of 1952. Retired from the EJ&E Railroad as a locomotive engineer after many years of service. Former member of the International Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. A former radio announcer with WAJP and WJOL. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #382. A member of St. Patrick Catholic Church and St. Patrick Men's Club. Patrick was an accomplished organist and enjoyed playing and attending organ concerts. But a great big smile could be seen from ear to ear when the grandchildren were playing baseball and it was time to go watch the games. He was also an avid Cubs fan. Preceded by his daughter, Mary in infancy; his parents, James A. and Ruth L. (nee Callahan) Gossman; and one sister, Mary Ann Gossman. Survived by loving and devoted wife of 52 years, Barbara Jean (nee Dobak) Gossman of Joliet; one daughter, Jacqueline (John) Matthews of Crest Hill; two sons, James (Brenda) Gossman and Christian (Susan) Gossman, both of Joliet; eight grandchildren, Scott, Kyle and Douglas Matthews, Danny and Tyler Gossman, Shari, Heather and Gregory Gossman; two great-grandchildren, Deagan and Arianna; one sister-in-law, Theresa (Ralph) Cecchi of Joliet; one brother-in-law, Phillip Dobak of Baltimore, MD; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins also survive. Our family would like to thank Joliet Area Community Hospice and our father's very special people who looked after him during some of those difficult days, Brittany Marciniak, Kaitlyn Lillis and Josh Young. Your kindness and support will never be forgotten. Funeral Services for Patrick J. Gossman will be held Tuesday, November 10, 2015 at 9:15 a.m. from the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet to St. Patrick Catholic Church for a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Interment Mt. Olivet Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name to his surviving family to be distributed in accordance with their wishes would be appreciated. Visitation Monday, 3-8 p.m. at the funeral home. For more information: (815) 741-5500.