Richard J. Georgantas

Richard J. Georgantas 79, passed away on Thursday, August 20, 2015 after an 18 month battle with cancer at the Joliet Area Community Hospice Home with his family by his side.

Survived by his wife of 53 years Judy (Boban), daughter Sue (Jim) Gulas, and grandchildren Jenny and Nick Gulas. Also survived by his sisters, Lorraine (Dave - Deceased) A'Hearn and Connie A'Hearn, brother-in-law George F. (Carol) Boban and favorite card playing sister-in-law Christine Boban. Numerous nieces and nephews, each believing that they are the "favorite", along with a few choice "outsiders" also survive.

Preceded in death by his parents Margaret (Palmer) and Anthony Georgantas. Also preceded in death by his brothers; Robert (Gloria), George (Georgetta), Clarence "Teak" (Theresa) and Donald, his sister Betty Bick, brother-in-law Richard Boban, and his mother-in-law and father-in-law George and Olga Boban.

He was a proud graduate of Joliet Catholic High School class of 1954. He served in the US Army in the late 1950's, stationed in Frankfurt Germany. Richard retired from Argonne National Laboratory in Lemont after over 28 years of service. Additionally, he worked for Reynolds Aluminum for 12 1/2 years, bartended at The Keg for 9 years and worked for Cornerstone Services for 5 years. He was a Eucharistic Minister at St. Joseph Medical Center and also worked at the Joliet Park District. It was at the Park District that he was able to perform his most favorite job of all time; driving the Zamboni! Special thanks to Glen Marcum for making "one last hurrah on the ice" a reality. Richard was also a long-time usher for 4pm mass at St. Mary Nativity. One of his proudest accomplishments with his wife was co-chairing Jubilation in 1985 for the final year of the event with Cheryle and Larry Gray.

He enjoyed working crossword puzzles, playing golf, scrabble, dominoes, and canasta with family and friends. His favorite place in the whole world was Siesta Key where he took great pleasure in spending vacations with his daughter and her family and some very close friends. He looked forward to many casino road trips with his gambling buddy, Dee.

The family would like to thank the caring nurses and staff at the Joliet Area Community Hospice Home for their compassion to Richard and his family throughout his stay.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Richard's name to the St. Mary Nativity Maintenance Fund or the Joliet Area Community Hospice would be greatly appreciated.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, August 25, 2015 from 2:00pm - 8:00pm at Tezak's Home to Celebrate Life, 1211 Plainfield Rd., Joliet, IL. Funeral services for Richard J. Georgantas will begin on Wednesday, August 26, 2015 with prayers in the funeral home chapel at 9:20am then driving in procession to St. Mary Nativity Catholic Church for a Mass of Christian Burial to be held at 10:00 a.m. Interment private.

Tuesday, August 25, 2015
2:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Tezak Funeral Home
1211 Plainfield Road
Joliet, Illinois 60435

Wednesday, August 26, 2015
9:15 AM

Tezak Funeral Home
1211 Plainfield Road
Joliet, Illinois 60435

Prayers in the funeral home chapel then driving in procession to St. Mary Nativity Catholic Church for a Mass of Christian Burial to be held at 10:00 a.m.

Wednesday, August 26, 2015
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

St. Mary Nativity Catholic Church
707 N. Broadway Street
Joliet, ILL 60435