George T. Chabucos

Machesney Park – George T. Chabucos, 84, passed away at home surrounded by family on October 13th, 2013, after his courageous battle with numerous health issues. He was born on August 11, 1929 in Rockford, IL, the son of Theodore George (immigrant from Vigla, Greece) and Marie (Adkins) Chabucos. He was married to Phyllis Schutt, November 19th, 1948. For the past twenty five years he wintered in Ft. Meyers Beach, Fl. He attended Rockford’s East High School. In 1942 he had a newspaper route at Camp Grant. In 1947 he worked at the family’s cleaners business. In 1953 he started P & G Painting Co., painting water towers before joining Ironworker’s Local 498.

In the tradition of Iron Workers he was a rugged individualist. He served 42 years in a trade in which the work is dangerous and demanding: never fearful of scrambling atop huge bridges or towering steel structures. He shared teamwork to skillfully assemble the framework to support massive industrial complexes and spiraling skyscrapers.

For a quarter century he acted as business agent /financial secretary-treasurer for Rockford-based Ironworkers Local 498, AFLCIO. In all he served 30 years as an officer of the local union - including four years as president of Local 498 and two years as an executive board member.

During his long career as an Iron Worker, he met head-on the sometimes awesome challenges presented to members of his trade. With equal enthusiasm and dedication he has mastered the challenges of union leadership and confrontations with non-union forces. His contemporaries say he has feared no man and no work situation.

As a tribute to his training and experience in the trade and to his personal physical conditioning, he more than once came home with first place trophies in international column climbing competition at annual Iron Worker games held in Michigan.

He also shared his talents with the community. He has been president of the Northwestern Illinois Building and Construction Trades Council and a member of various boards and panels, most of which are linked to the welfare of working men and women in the area.

He also has served: on the board of directors of United Way Services; as a member of the Citizen Advisory Task Force; as a member of the Rockford Area Economic Development Commission; and as a member of the board of directors of the Northern Illinois Construction Industry Affirmative Action Plan.

George was the first chairman of Project First Rate, which promotes a cooperative effort between area union contractors and building construction unions. He also served as a member of the Rockford Sanitary District Board. Additionally, he has been executive vice president of the Chicago and Vicinity District Council of Iron Workers.

George was dedicated to increase the standard of living for men and woman in Northern Illinois. His nerves of steel bargaining skills are the reason why so many of the Northern Illinois area trade unions wages are what they are today. To George’s credit, “The new two-year agreement between Iron Workers Local 498 and the Northern Illinois Building Contractors Association includes the best increase gained in any Iron Workers contract in Illinois, and possibly in the entire United States this year” quote from a 1970’s Rockford Labor News article.

He was honored with awards for organizing charity work, funds, and donations for community projects, for the Goldie Floberg Center, Walter Lawson Children’s Home, provided labor and equipment for the Northwest Community Center, construction of the community fountain adjacent to Loves Park city hall, and erected steel for an addition to Growth Enterprises, Inc. a work center for the mentally handicapped, 1973. He retired in 1990.

George was a unique man who loved his homes on the water. He enjoyed boating, entertaining friends, and family. He was a long time member of the American Lombardi Society, Venetian Club, and the American Legion. He will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his son Nick (Deborah) Chabucos; daughters Lori (Rian) Nowitzki, Linda Chabucos; his beloved 6 grandchildren, Audra, Ryan, Shane, Jaime, Nick, and Angel; 10 great grandchildren; Hannah, Nathan, Audrey, Paige, Shae, Lilli, Chloe, Cassidy, Madeline, and Mason.

Predeceased by his parents, wife Phyllis Chabucos, brother John Chabucos, and sisters Marion Johnson and Elaine Corson.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Norem and staff, special care givers Karen and Linda (Home Instead) and the VNA Hospice team for their excellent care of George.

Visitation Thursday, October 17, 2013, at Sunset Funeral Home, 8800 N Alpine Rd., Machesney Park, IL. 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Funeral service for family 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Reverend Ron Meyer officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations made payable to “Easter Seals TAP-Rockford”, The Autism Program Service Center, 1601 Parkview Avenue, Rockford, IL 61107.

Online condolences may be submitted at www.sunsetfhmemgardens.com