Francis J. Gabrys

Francis J. "Gabe" Gabrys Jr., age 88, entered eternal life on Wednesday, July 9, 2014.

Francis is survived by his loving daughters, Mary (David) Ferdinand, Patricia Gabrys, Kathryn (Steve) Less, Paula (Donald) Suhadolc and Jamie (Paul) Sovcik; cherished grandchildren, Zachary and Hannah Ferdinand, Donald and Gabriel Suhadolc, Frannie Nolan and Elinor Sovcik; dear great-grandchild, Juniper Ferdinand; loving sister, Margaret (Daniel) Keca; dear sisters-in-law, Tess (the late Richard) Gabrys, Ethel (the late Joseph) Blahunka, Mary (the late Peter) Lazar and Joan (the late Charles) Blahunka; and dear brother-in-law, Robert (the late Cecelia) Seeley.

Preceded in death by his wife, Frances (nee Blahunka); parents, Francis and Pauline (nee Strysik); sister, Cecelia Seeley; brothers, Richard and Leonard.

"Big Gabe" loved to watch the Chicago Cubs and played in the Chicago White Sox farm league. He was an avid gardener. Frank enjoyed spending time on the golf course and was very proud of his hole-in-one. Frank worked as a claim agent for EJ & E Railway Co. for 35 years. He served proudly as a Marine and was a member of the American Legion Post 1080 for 60 years.

The family would like to express a heartfelt thank you to all of those who have cared for Frank during the past several years. A special thank you to nephew, Richard Gabrys and Mark and Linda Mufich, "best neighbors ever."

In lieu of flowers donations may be made, in Frank's name, to the Alzheimer's Association, 850 Essington Rd. Suite 200, Joliet, IL, 60435.

A Celebration of Frank's life will begin on Saturday, July 12, 2014 with a visitation from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Tezak Funeral Home, 1211 Plainfield Road then driving in procession to Holy Cross Catholic Church, 901 Elizabeth St, Joliet, 60435, for a Mass of Christian Burial to be held at 11:00 a.m. Inurnment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. Per Francis' wishes, cremation rites have been accorded.