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Adolph (Al) Gawrych

Visitation Time: All Services will be private.
Interment:

Adolph (Al) Gawrych, a man of faith, entered into eternal rest on October 20, 2020, shortly after his 91st birthday. He was born to Stanislaus and Bronislava (Domek) Gawrych in Chicago. He was proud to serve in the Air Force, from 1950 – 1954, during the Korean War. Al was a weaponeer, in charge of the A-bomb. He loved telling war stories, especially relaying that he shook the hand of President Charles de Gaulle. He was awarded a Good Conduct Medal and a National Defense Service Medal. When he again became a civilian, he worked as a Stereotyper for the Chicago Tribune. His career there spanned over 40 years. While at the Tribune, he rubbed shoulders with Colonel Robert R. McCormick, whose legacy is the Chicago Tribune and Cantigny Park. Al lived most of his life on a 40 acre farm in Maple Park, IL. When not at work at the Tribune, he was raising and training horses as trotters that he raced at Hawthorne Park Race Track. After retirement, Al assisted MS patients in the swimming pool at the Sycamore YMCA. He also was a lay speaker at Cursillo weekends. He was excited to share his Catholic faith with others to help with their spiritual development. Al is survived by his caring children, Mike (Karen) Gawrych and Sandy (Stan) Chmeleck. He was blessed with loving and appreciative grandchildren, Linda Gawrych, Michael (Margaret) Gawrych, Mary (Tim) Bockelmann, and Amy (Brad) Taylor. He also had six great-grandchildren, Mia, Avery, Kaleigh, Ean, Robbie and Grace. Buddy was his favorite cat. Al is also survived by Marilyn Thomas, his former wife and the mother of his children. Al was predeceased by Barb Novak, his loving companion, his parents and many other extended family members and friends. Al’s funeral arrangements are being handled by Salerno’s Rosedale Funeral Chapel in Roselle, IL. Due to Covid-19, the visitation, funeral Mass and interment with military funeral honors will be private. In lieu of flowers, Masses are appreciated in Al’s name c/o St. Walter’s Catholic Church, Roselle, IL or a Tribute Donation may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. “The best portion of a good man’s life is his little nameless unremembered acts of kindness and of love.” William Wordsworth, poet

Funeral Home

Salerno's Rosedale Chapels

Phone: (630) 889-1700
Address: 450 W. Lake Street Roselle IL, 60172

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Posted by:
Lisa Johnson

Posted on:
Wednesday, October 21, 2020

My deepest sympathy, a lot of memories with you. As Jim Panocha would say “My Pal Al” May you ride with him and enjoy that cold beer in Heaven!! Love Ya!