John was born and lived his entire life in the City of Chicago. He lived there with his beloved Shirley, his wife of 37 years, and his son William. The only time he did not live there was during World War II when he proudly served as a Pharmacist's Mate on a destroyer (USS Phillip) in the South Pacific. For three years, he helped injured sailors- many times for days in a row without food or rest.
After the war, he did several jobs in the city before spending his 37-year career as Assistant Manager for Brook Brothers clothing in downtown Chicago. He not only helped keep many of Chicago's most notable finely dressed, but he was always the most well- dressed person in the room- even during his final days.
Jack, as he was known to his friends, loved helping people and making them happy. This was especially true of his family. After Shirley passed in 1993 and retiring in 1994, he spent much of his time doing the things he enjoyed most- going to the theatre, opera and symphony. There he made many friends and reveled in what only live performance can bring. He also spent a lot of time decorating his home to the max and baking for every holiday. He affectionately become known as "the cookie man" to the many people who were recipients of his generosity.
The phase John always used was "I don't have time to get old " and fortunately he never did. He lived with the joy and passion of a child right until the very end and shared that with everybody he knew and met. We should all be so lucky and try to carry that same feeling with us. John was predeceased by his brother Paul
(d.2014) and sister Josephine (d.2007). He is survived by his son William (Beth) and many nephews and nieces. John will be missed, but will never be forgotten.
Visitation Friday, January 11, 2019, 10:00 am to 11:00 am at Drake & Son Funeral Home, 5303 N. Western Avenue, Chicago, IL 60625. Graveside Service 11:15 am Friday at Rosehill Cemetery, Chicago, IL. 60660. 773-561-6874
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