Obituary of Terrance John Blazevic
Terrance “Terry” John Blazevic
Aged 79 years, Born on April 30, 1945 (Joliet, IL) - Passed away on March 1, 2025 (Lakewood Ranch, FL).
Terry passed away peacefully with his wife and daughters at his side due to complications from RSV.
Husband to Georgia (Girard); father to April (Matthew) Woodside and Alisha (Nicki Seibert) Blazevic; grandfather to Zachary and Kate Woodside, and Samuel, Ben, and Josie Blazevic-Seibert. Preceded in death by his son Bryce Blazevic (2008); mother and father, Vera and Tony Blazevic (2011, 1984); and mother- and father-in-law, Mary Catherine and George Girard (1991, 1964). Survived by his loving sister, Tana (Mel) Gray; brother-in-law, Jim (Connie Diamant) Girard; and nieces and nephews.
Terry met Georgia, his lifetime love of 57 years, through his best friend Jim Girard, Georgia’s brother. They were married August 12, 1972 and celebrated 52 years of marriage. Terry was a graduate of Joliet Catholic High School and spent several years studying in college, having a lifelong passion for learning.
He joined his father in business at Modern Builders Industrial Concrete (MBIC) in 1971, learning the business first as a bookkeeper and later moving into project management. His father’s early successes transformed the company into a successful family business run by himself, sister Tana, brother-in-law Mel, and his wife Georgia. Together they built hundreds of projects within the community. Most notable to Terry were historic renovations to the downtown Joliet Public Library and Joliet’s Union Station. Later in his career Terry was the safety director for MBIC and upon his retirement he and Georgia relocated to FL where they have resided in Lakewood Ranch for the past 13 years.
Terry loved growing flowers in his home greenhouse and was an avid hobbyist enjoying photography, ceramics, woodworking, stained glass, and most recently LEGO with his grandson Zach. Of note was his extensive model train village at the family’s home in Joliet where the local elementary school would visit for annual field trips. Most recently Terry enjoyed spending many days at the Sarasota airport photographing airplanes. Terry was a devoted Catholic whose faith in the Blessed Virgin guided his life.
Terry lived a joyous, loving, and full life but also battled bipolar disorder since his early 20s. Despite this severe illness, and with the tireless and constant love and support of his wife, Terry enjoyed all of life’s delights and successes. Terry and Georgia helped create the Manic Depressive Group in Joliet which evolved into the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance of Greater Chicago. He was always proud that his medical case was studied and used for teaching medical professionals for over 50 years, helping to make advances in mental health care.
Terry was always full of humor with a mischievous wit and never missed a chance to heckle his daughters with witty banter. His love of wild colorful clothing knew no limits. He lived a life of generosity towards family, friends, acquaintances, and strangers with whom he would share a meal. Terry gained his love of sports cars from his father and he could often be seen out in his latest convertible. Warm weather and family drew Terry to retirement in Florida where he enjoyed days together with Georgia, observing the resident alligator from his lanai, spending time with his grandkids, and traveling together on cruises and trips to visit family.
Terry is already missed by his family, but we are comforted in knowing that he is no longer suffering the struggles of bipolar and has been reunited in heaven with his son Bryce.
A Memorial Mass for Terrance John Blazevic will be celebrated on Monday, April 7, 2025, at Queen of Apostle Catholic Church, 18 Woodlawn Ave., Joliet, IL. Family and friends are invited to meet at 9:45 a.m. for Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Inurnment will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.
A Memorial Service will be held in Lakewood Ranch, FL at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance of Greater Chicago, the Stillpoint Mission in Bradenton, FL, or help your local organizations or persons in need as Terry often did.
For more information please call the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home at 815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.
