Richard W. Tezak

Richard W. ‘Sonny’ Tezak, age 80, died Wednesday, May 31, 2000. He was born September 6, 1919, in Joliet.

He was owner and operator of the Tezak Funeral Home. Dick was a veteran of World War II. He served as a pilot with the United States Navy Air Corp.

Richard was active in local politics most of his life serving on the Will County Board for 24 years and as Joliet Township Supervisor. While on the County Board, he spearheaded the development of the Sunny Hill Nursing Home. He was an active member of St. Joseph Church, Joliet, where he was former church council member and a member of St. Joseph Holy Name Society. He was a long time president and originator of the St. Joseph Holy Name golf outing; the co-founder of St. Joseph Athletic Association; St. Joseph Homecoming Fair organizer; a member of St. Joseph senior parishioners and a long time team sponsor of St. Joseph baseball.

Richard is survived by his wife of 51 years, Josephine (nee Kuncic) Tezak; four children, Mary Jean (Tom) Hayducak, John ‘Jack’ (Sue) Tezak, Richard ‘Dick’ (Ellen nee Degner) Tezak, Tom (Lorita nee McDavid) Tezak; 11 grandchildren, Lisa, Becki and Ryan Hayducak, Amy, Sarah, Christopher, Kyle, Kenny, Jessica, MacKenzie and Zoe Tezak; three brothers, Eugene J. (late Billie), Quentin Robert (Betty) Tezak and Donald (Nancy) Tezak; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John A. and Jean M. Tezak; and a brother, George Tezak.

A mass of Christian Burial was celebrated June 5, 2000 at St. Joseph Church, Joliet. Burial was in St. Joseph Cemetery. Full military honors conducted by his comrades.