John "Mick" Avon

John Michael Avon

“Mick”

Age 69 of New Lenox, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 14, 2024 after a long-fought battle against liver cancer and later Alzheimer’s Disease at Lightways Hospice Care in Joliet with his family by his side.

Born January 18, 1955 in Joliet, Mick was a son of Emil and Marilou (McHale) Avon. He was raised and educated in Joliet and attended St. Pat’s Grade School and graduated from Joliet Catholic High School with the class of 1973.

Mick made a career for himself in the funeral printing business, and after 38 years of dedication, he retired from Messenger in Auburn, Indiana as an extremely well respected and accomplished National Accounts Sales Manager.

Aside from his accomplishments in his career, Mick was also a revered coach. He coached boys’ basketball at St. Ray’s Junior High for many years and then went on to coach at Joliet Catholic Academy. Coach Avon was known to be a “lively and energetic coach who put on quite a show on the sidelines.”

In his free time Mick loved playing golf, but even more so, loved being with his family, especially his two grandsons. They were his world and enjoyed nothing more than watching them do the things they loved.

Mick will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years: Marianne (Scully) Avon; daughter and son-in-law: Kerri and Ryan Carney; grandsons: Jake and Max, and his brother: Thomas Avon.

Mick is preceded in death by his parents, and sisters-in-law: Moe and Patty.

The family will receive relatives and friends for a visitation on Monday, February 19, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Tezak Funeral Home, 1211 Plainfield Road in Joliet.

Following visitation and per Mick’s wishes, cremation rites will be accorded.

A celebration of Mick’s life will continue on Tuesday, February 20, 2024 beginning with closing prayers in the funeral home chapel at 9:30 a.m. The funeral will then drive in procession to the Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus for a Mass of Christian Burial which will begin at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow and Mick will be laid to rest at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery in Romeoville.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the entire liver transplant team at Northwestern Hospital, as well as the staff and nurses at Lightways Hospice Care for taking such wonderful care of him in his final days.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made as gifts in Mick’s name to either the Alzheimer’s Association or the American Cancer Society.