Obituary of George O. Newman, Jr.

George O. Newman, Jr. "Smokey"

Age 85, of Channahon and formerly of Blue Island and Joliet, IL, passed peacefully from this life, Saturday morning, December 23, 2023, at Lightways Hospice Home.  He was born November 18, 1938 to the late Pearl M. (Muroski) and George O. Newman, Sr. in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he was raised and educated. George attended military school and then served proudly in the U.S. Army. After being honorably discharged in 1959, he married and relocated to the Chicagoland area.  

George is the beloved father of George O. Newman III, JoAnn (Aric) Stone, Bernadette (Don) Meadors, Michael Newman and Christopher (Nicole) Newman, Patricia (Brian) Ziermann; proud grandfather of Adam, Kyle, Alex, Caleb, Robert, Ethan, Amelia and Chloe; cousin, Roberta Leu; several nieces and nephews also survive.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 18 years, Rosemary (Dantino); son Michael Newman, his parents and siblings Marlyn, Linda, David and Harry.

George retired from Castle Metals in 2003 as an electrician. George served as volunteer firefighter for Justice, IL and was fondly known as "Smokey" thereafter to all who knew him. George had a love for cars and spent many hours in his garage restoring them including a couple Hudsons. 

All friends and relatives are invited to gather at St. Ann Catholic Church, 24500 S. Navajo Drive in Channahon on Saturday, January 6, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. when a Memorial Mass to honor George begins.

As it was George's wish, his remains have been transferred to the Anatomical Gift Association of Illinois to further medical research.  His pacemaker was donated to University of Missouri Veterinary School. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name can be made to American Heart Association or the animal shelter of the donors choosing. 

For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave a condolence.