James Ricky Rachal

James Ricky Rachal, age 66, passed away suddenly on Thursday, February 9, 2017 with his loving family by his side.

Ricky is survived by his beloved children, James (Chanthamany) Rachal, Shannon Rachal and Joseph Rachal; loving grandchildren, Matthew Thongsavanh, Liliana Aguirre, Jonathan Rachal, Julianna Rachal, Briana Ortiz, Joshua Ortiz and Mia Rachal; great-granddaughter, Delilah Muthart; loving parents, Francis and Mary Melissa Rachal; siblings, Clark Rachal and Deborah (Patrick) Bazzel; nieces and nephews, Dionne, Christopher, Lionel, Jason, Melissa and Christopher; great-nieces and great- nephews, Jessica, Tiffany, Travis, Justin, Robert, Joline, Gabriella and Hailey Ann; numerous friends also survive.

Preceded in death by his son, John Rachal; nephew and Godson Jason Suero.

Ricky was born in Pineville, Louisiana. He and his family migrated to Chicago in 1951 where he attended St. Paul Grade School and graduated high school at Holy Trinity.  Ricky was drafted by the United States Army in 1971 honorably serving his country until 2010 when he retired. He also worked for Western Electric and was a machinist at Craftsmen Sheetmetal while in the reserves.  Ricky was an avid Chicago sports fan, who also loved the Oakland Raiders. He thoroughly loved playing cards and dominoes with friends and family. Ricky had an extreme passion for the film industry. He was an avid reader with a passion for military history. Ricky was a very devoted hands on father and loved his family. He will be greatly missed.

A celebration of Ricky’s life will begin on Wednesday, February 15, 2017 with prayers in the funeral home chapel at 9:15 a.m. then driving in procession to The Church of St. Jude in Joliet for a Mass of Christian Burial to be held at 10:00 a.m. Interment to follow at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood where full military honors will be conducted. Visitation will be on Tuesday, February 14, 2017 at Tezak Funeral Home, 1211 Plainfield Road, Joliet from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.