Joseph K. Gogola

A wise person once said, “To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a little bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded”.

Joseph Kenneth Gogola passed away on April 19, 2016 at the age of 88. By the world’s valuation, he was a very successful man. He had a passion for all things in life. He had extremely diverse interests and was never afraid to master a new skill, even when unconventional. He had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, the fruits of which he very willingly shared with others. He had a deep love for his family and cherished his friends. He was known for his great sense of humor, his quick wit, his kindness, his compassion, and his integrity. He always stopped to see the beauty in the world and, although he accomplished much in life, he was never boastful. He was born in Chicago, Illinois, on June 21, 1927. He was the third of four sons. He met and fell in love with Beryl Ferguson while at Maine Township High School. After graduation, he enlisted to serve in WWII. Upon his return from the Navy, they were married. In 1957, while working full time and raising a family, he completed a Ph.B. in Chemistry with a minor in Mathematics at Northwestern University. He became an accomplished research chemist. Later in life, Joe and Beryl retired to Ocala, Florida where they lived for 24 years, before recently returning to the Chicago area. Joe is survived by his devoted wife, Beryl; his four daughters, Wendy Barker, Pauline Johnston, Tamara (Vernon) Reizman, and Corinne Gogola; his grandchildren, Angela (Zachary Ginder) Barker, Brandon (Irene) Reizman and Caitlyn Reizman; his great-granddaughter, Raija Ginder, as well as many other relatives and friends. Joe now joins his father and mother, Joseph P. and Veronica (nee Hanszczyk) Gogola; his brothers, Leonard, Ralph, and Robert Gogola; and his grandson, Rodney Barker, who preceded him in death. A memorial service will be held for him at St. Mary Catholic Church, 794 Pearson Street in Des Plaines, Illinois, on Saturday, May 28, 2016, at 10:00 a.m. Interment with military honors will take place at the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, Illinois, on Tuesday, May 31, 2016, at 11:30 a.m.