Joseph F. Ambrozich

Joseph F. Ambrozich ""Jova""

Age 88, passed away peacefully at home, May 26, 2010 after a 5 year battle with leukemia.

Survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Dolores (nee Smith); his son, Joseph (Terri) Ambrozich of Shorewood; his daughter, Claire Marie (Peter) Lopez of Vista, CA; grandchildren Amy (Derek) Knapp, Michael Lopez, and Joseph R. Ambrozich; great-grandchildren Elliot Ambrozich and Lillian Knapp; one brother, Michael (late Barbara and late Peggy) Ambrozich; his sister-in-law Dolores L. (late Edward, a brother) Ambrozich; and a brother-in-law, Gerald (Kay) Smith..

Preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Mary Ambrozich, and a sister, Marian Ambrozich.

Joseph was a lifelong resident of Joliet, and graduated from Joliet Township High in 1940, having played slide trombone in the band that made Joliet ""The City of Champions"". He served in the US Coast Guard during WW II. After more than 30 years of service, he retired as a supervisor from GAF.

He was a member of Elk"s Lodge 296, American Legion Post 1080, Cantigny Post 367 VFW, and was a charter member of Northwest Recreation Club. He served as an usher for many years at St. Joseph"s and St. Mary Nativity churches.

A Celebration of Joseph"s life will be held on Saturday May 29, with prayers at the funeral home at 11:30 AM, then in procession to St. Mary Nativity Church for a Mass of Christian Burial at NOON. Interment at St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 3- 7 P.M.