Obituary of Gregory C. Simonich
Gregory Charles Simonich
“Poppy”
Gregory Charles Simonich, “Poppy”, age 70, of Joliet, passed away, peacefully, with his family by his side after a short battle with cancer on Thursday, January 18, 2018. Greg was born October 29, 1947 in Joliet, Illinois. He attended Chaney Grade School and Lockport West High School. Greg was a hard worker who retired from Caterpillar after 36 years and will be deeply missed by his coworkers at Abri Credit Union in Joliet where he worked for the last 15 years.
Greg was a faithful Chicago Cubs fan. Go Cubs Go! He enjoyed spending time hanging out with his family and friends at the Joliet Moose Lodge and going to family gatherings. He was always the life of the party. Greg was a special person loved by all, always putting others before himself. He upheld his selflessness through his final moments. His unconditional love for his family and friends will forever be his legacy.
He is survived by and will be dearly missed by his love of 17 years, Georgene Schumacher; his devoted children, Lisa (Randy) Clauson of Morris, Ryan (Megan Baker) Simonich of Channahon; his grandchildren, Kurt and Cory Simonich, Matthew, Hannah and Shane Potter, Sara and Kate Simonich; his beloved extended family, Mike (Danielle) Schumacher, Matt (Juline) Schumacher, Megan (Nathan) Donick, and Max (Kortney) Schumacher. He considered himself a grandfather to Michael, Emma, Savannah, Parker, Grant, and Jameson Schumacher and Stone Skelton; and a father to Lynn Schmitt, who he took under his wing and cared for like a daughter; his siblings, Charlene (John) Knorr, Charles (Judith) Simonich, Ken (Rhea-Joy) Simonich, and Sandra (Isidro) Camacho; daughter-in-law, Jorja Simonich of Shorewood; several nieces and nephews also survive.
He is preceded in death by his son, Jeffrey Curtis Simonich (2005); his parents, Charles and Margaret (nee Setina) Simonich; his sister, Margarite Bernicky; and dear friend who he selflessly cared for during his battle with cancer, Ken Falkenberg.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Silver Cross Hospital and Joliet Area Community Hospice for their lovely and compassionate care during Greg’s final hours.
Visitation for Gregory C. Simonich will be held on Sunday, January 21, 2018, from 2-6 p.m. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet. Interment will take place privately by the family at St. Mary Cemetery in Minooka. In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name to Joliet Area Community Hospice or the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation in Greg’s name would be greatly appreciated. For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com
