Tony Delgado

Tony Delgado

Age 80 of Joliet, passed away on Wednesday, June 14, 2023 at Loyola Medical Center with his family by his side.

Born June 13, 1943, in Chicago, Tony was a son of Frank and Margaret Delgado. He was raised and educated in Chicago and graduated from Lewis College with the class of 1965 and continued his education to earn his masters degree at Governors State University. Following graduation, Tony taught classes and coached baseball and made a career out of it for over 40 years until retiring in 2005. During that time, he met the love of his life and would go on to marry his best friend, Jo Ann Majcin in Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Together they made a home and raised their family.

Tony was passionate about three things, which included family, traveling, and sports at the University of St. Francis and Lewis University.

Family and friends appreciated his love of Christmas, his zest for life, and limitless kindness and compassion for the world. It would be rare to encounter Tony without a beaming smile on his face and a pep in his step. Tony loved spending time with his wife, Jo Ann, children Joelle (Mark), and Jerred, and his beloved granddaughter, Madison. They especially loved to travel as a family to seek out adventure and also tickle his deep interest in U.S. history by visiting historical sites. Jo Ann, his wife, recollects her fondest memories as a couple hiking together at Cameron Pass near Fort Collins, Colorado.

As for sports, where does one start? Tony was the co-architect of seven NAIA World Series teams alongside head coach Gordie Gillespie for 15 years at St. Francis, including the 1993 national championship team. The two worked together on the diamond for 20 years in all, including five seasons at nearby Lewis University, where they won another two NAIA titles together.

Tony was inducted into Lewis' Hall of Fame in 1982.  He was also the 2019 recipient of the Robert E. Smith Achievement Award, which is given annually to a coach or administrator who has given oneself in an unselfish manner to the promotion of NAIA Baseball.

Tony retired in 2005 and was inducted into the athletic department's Hall of Fame in 2009 for the University of St. Francis.

Upon retiring, Tony continued to engage in his greatest joy of teaching the game of baseball and giving lessons, which he was still doing until his death.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years: Jo Ann (Majcin) Delgado, children: Joelle (Mark) Solomon and Jerred; granddaughter: Madison Solomon; siblings: Richard (Helen) Delgado, Robert (Connie) Delgado, Margaret Kaczmarek, Virginia Connelly, Mary Delgado, and Rita Watkin, and numerous in-laws, nieces and nephews, and extended family.

Tony is preceded in death by his parents: Margaret (Flores) Delgado and Frank Delgado; siblings: Frank, Ernest, Corinne, and baby Rita.

Per Tony’s wishes, cremation rites have been accorded.

The family will receive relatives and friends for a memorial visitation on Thursday, June 22, 2023 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Tezak Funeral Home, 1211 Plainfield Road in Joliet. A celebration of Tony’s life will continue on Friday, June 23, 2023 beginning with chapel prayers in the funeral home chapel at 9:20 a.m. The funeral will then drive in procession to the Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus, 604 N. Raynor Avenue in Joliet, for a Mass of Christian Burial beginning at 10:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made as gifts in Tony’s memory to the athletic departments of the University of St. Francis and Lewis University.