Benedict A Periaswamy

Dr. Benedict A. Periaswamy, long-time resident of Des Plaines, Illinois loving husband of the late Irudayamary Periaswamy; beloved father of Jacinta (Murthy) Samikkannu, Cecilia (S.P.) Samikkannu, Pius (Annie), Daniel (Stella), John Periaswamy, Lucillemarie (Prasanna) Turaka, the late Elizabeth and the late Grace Periaswamy; proud grandfather of Darlene (Suresh), Mark (Alison), Jonathan, Michael (Erin), David (Michelle), Alex, Sarah (David), Jacob, Joshua, Kevin, Emma and Matthew and “GGPa” to great-grandchildren Sonia, Alaina, Nikhil, Gabbie, Grace, Henry, Evelyn, Harold, Silas and Calvin; dear brother of the late Arputham (late Natchathiram) Periaswamy and uncle to Xavier (Megala) Periaswamy and Vijayan (Mary) Poovan, beloved patriarch to a large extended family in the U.S. and India, and fondly remembered by numerous friends.

“Dr. Ben”, as he was affectionately called, emphasized the importance of higher education, himself having obtained a Master’s in English Literature from DePaul University and a Master’s and Ph.D. in Education from Loyola University. He spent many years teaching English and World History before transitioning to a career in continuing medical education. An avid reader, he enjoyed reading the Chicago Tribune front to back. Well into his retirement, he remained active in volunteer work and community organizations. A devout Catholic, he lived his faith as an usher and eucharistic minister at St. Mary’s Parish for over two decades.

His legacy is his large loving family and network of friends, who will miss his warmth, wisdom and generosity, but comforted knowing that he is reunited with Irudayamary, his loving wife of 58 years.

Friends and family will gather for a visitation Sunday, April 2nd, 2023 from 3:00 to 8:00 PM at Oehler Funeral Home, 2099 Miner Street, Des Plaines, Illinois.

Benedict will be lying in state on Monday, April 3rd, 2023, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at St. Raymond de Penafort Catholic Church, 301 S I Oka Avenue, Mount Prospect, Illinois 60056 followed by a Mass from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM.

An entombment will occur Monday, April 3, 2023 from 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM at All Saints Cemetery, 700 North River Road, Des Plaines, Illinois 60016.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the Periaswamy family may be shared at www.OehlerFuneralHome.com.